Background: Pregnant mothers have to pass through antenatal and post natal zones during their pregnancy period, however they should attend clinics effectively in both periods, and they should deliver at health facility as per Tanzania ministry of Health so as to prevent pregnancy related complications (Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW)). 90% of pregnant mothers attend antenatal care in Tanzania but less than 48% deliver in hospital. This increases birth related maternal and fetal death as well as delivery complications to both mother and her baby. Skilled attendant is the major concern in prevention of maternal mortality and birth related fetal complications many mother attend antenatal clinic but decide to deliver at home. This study is intended to access the knowledge, altitude and perception to women attending antenatal and post-natal at Sengerema District Designated Hospital. Objectives of the study: To access the knowledge, altitude and perception toward hospital delivery among women attending antenatal and post –natal visit at Sengerema District Designated hospital.
Methodology: Convenient random selection of women attending antennal and postnatal clinics at Sengerema DDH was done from the 1st September 2021 to 31st September 2021 where a sample of 383 women was asked to participate in the study after signing consent form. Self-administered structured questionnaire containing closed ended questions will be used. Data was analyzed using SPPS version 20; chi-square test and p-value was used for continuous variables.
Results: A total of 383 women were enrolled in a study. Women were generally positive about both antenatal, postnatal care and hospital delivery. Among common reasons mentioned for late initiation of antenatal care was to avoid having to make several visits to the clinic. Other concerns included fear of encountering wild animals on the way to the clinic as well as lack of money. Fear of caesarean section was reported as a factor hindering intrapartum care-seeking from hospitals. Despite the perceived benefits of postnatal care for children, there was a total lack of postnatal care for the mothers. Shortages of staff, equipment and supplies were common complaints in the community.
Conclusion: Efforts to improve antenatal and postnatal care should focus on addressing geographical and economic access while striving to make services more culturally sensitive. Antenatal and postnatal care can offer encouraging women to deliver with a skilled attendant. Addressing staff shortages through expanding training opportunities and incentives to health care providers and developing postnatal care guidelines are key steps to improve maternal and newborn health.