Factors Associated with the Utilisation and Patterns of Antenatal Healthcare Services in the Rural Field Practice Area of a Teaching Medical College in Coimbatore: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Context: Maternal mortality and morbidity remain important public health concerns in India, particularly in rural areas. Despite the availability of antenatal care (ANC) services, utilisation of complete and timely ANC continues to be inadequate, necessitating the identification of factors influencing service use. Aims: This study aim to assess the pattern of ANC utilisation and to identify factors associated with utilisation of ANC among pregnant women. Settings and Design: Community-based cross-sectional study conducted in the rural field practice area of a Rural Health Training Centre attached to a medical college in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. Methodology: The study included 250 antenatal women selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested, validated, semi-structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic, obstetric and service-related variables. Statistical Analysis: Data were analysed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were used to assess ANC utilisation. Bivariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with full antenatal care (Full ANC) utilisation. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Adequate antenatal visits were reported by 98.4% of participants, 96.4% received tetanus-diphtheria immunisation, 97.2% consumed iron-folic acid tablets and 94.0% completed recommended investigations. Overall, 80.4% of women received Full ANC. On multivariate analysis, nuclear family type, planned pregnancy, timing of urine pregnancy testing, timing of ANC registration and cost of transport were independently associated with Full ANC utilisation. Conclusion: Although ANC utilisation was satisfactory, universal coverage of Full ANC was not achieved. Strengthening early pregnancy detection, timely registration and addressing service-related barriers may improve Full ANC utilisation in rural areas.