Timing of First Antenatal Booking among Adolescent Mothers Attending Primary Health Centres in Obio-Akpor LGA, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Adolescent pregnancy remains a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, due to its association with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Early initiation of antenatal care (ANC) is essential for improving these outcomes; however, utilization among adolescents is often suboptimal. This study assessed the timing of ANC initiation among adolescent mothers in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 254 adolescent mothers aged 15–19 years who were either pregnant or had delivered within the previous 12 months. A multistage sampling technique was employed to recruit participants from selected Primary Health Centres. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and supplemented with antenatal records. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used for analysis at a significance level of p < 0.05. Using a collapsed age grouping for brevity, the majority of respondents were aged 17–19 years (77.2%), single (52.8%), and had secondary education (49.6%). Although all respondents attended ANC, only 16.1% initiated care in the first trimester, while 49.5% and 34.4% initiated care in the second and third trimesters, respectively. Similar patterns were observed among those who had delivered within the previous 12 months. The study revealed a high level of ANC attendance but poor early initiation, indicating delayed engagement with maternal health services among adolescent mothers. Targeted interventions aimed at promoting early ANC booking, improving adolescent-friendly services, and addressing socio-economic barriers are recommended.