"Urban Rural Disparities of Determinants of Antenatal Care in Senegal among Women of Reproductive Age: Evidence from 2023 Senegal Demographic Health Survey"

BackgroundAntenatal care (ANC) is critical for ensuring positive pregnancy outcomes. Despite global efforts, ANC utilization remains suboptimal in many developing countries, including Senegal. This study aims to identify and distinguish between the key socio-demographic and economic factors influencing ANC utilization among urban and rural women in Senegal. MethodsThe analysis was conducted on 5107 women who had at least one birth in the last five years preceding the survey. Data were obtained from the 2023 Senegal Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). ANC utilization, defined as receiving four or more ANC visits during pregnancy, was the outcome variable. Independent variables included age, region, education, wealth index, total children ever born, pregnancy intention, employment status, media exposure, births in last five years and women autonomy. Bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression were conducted to identify the significant variables. ResultsThe final sample included 4,785 women after excluding those with missing data. Higher education level (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 3.649), rich wealth index (AOR=1.581), low (AOR=1.792) and high (AOR=1.692) media exposure were significantly associated with higher ANC in urban residences. On the contrary, in rural residences, primary (AOR=1.60), secondary (AOR=2.01) and higher (AOR=5.79) education level, intended pregnancy (AOR=1.33), low (AOR=1.48) and high (OR=1.35) media exposure and women autonomy (AOR=1.29) were significantly associated with higher ANC. ConclusionsThis study underscores the influence of different socio-economic and demographic factors on ANC utilization in urban and rural residences in Senegal. Policy interventions should prioritize enhancing education, economic opportunities, media awareness and womens autonomy, particularly in rural areas, to improve ANC coverage.