Factors influencing access to antenatal services and delivery care in sub-Saharan Africa

Maternal mortality is a public health concern worldwide, and especially so in developing nations. Antenatal services and delivery care are key strategies to reduce avoidable maternal deaths, and achieve Millennium Development Goal 5. This review investigated the different factors influencing access to antenatal services and delivery care among women of childbearing age in sub-Saharan Africa. The results suggested that the level of education of women and their partners, transportation difficulties, socioeconomic status, wealth, income, age, distance, quality of care, cost and religious background influenced access to antenatal services and delivery care. Inequalities in access to antenatal care services and delivery care had an impact on the health of childbearing women in sub-Saharan Africa. Improvement in the social, economic, and political environment was essential to address the multiple barriers women encounter and to promote safe motherhood.