WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Dalia Luay Jaber and Ali Abd Ali Sahib

ABSTRACT

Background: Proper antenatal care (ANC) is essential for improving reproductive health and reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. Assessing the quality of care requires evaluating health system components, including human resources, supplies, infrastructure (structure), service provision and management of complications (process), and coverage, health outcomes, and client satisfaction. Aim: This study aimed to assess the availability and functionality of ANC facilities in different primary health care (PHC) centers in Baghdad and compare these variables between central and peripheral areas and between family health and ordinary centers. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from August 1 to December 31, 2020. Thirty PHCs were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through direct observation and a checklist assessing service availability and functionality. Results: A total of 300 ANC clients were enrolled from the selected PHCs, with 159 (53%) residing in Al-Karkh and 141 (47%) in Al-Rusafah; 216 (72%) lived in central areas, and 165 (55%) attended family health PHCs. A significant association was found between service levels and both geographical location and type of PHC. Conclusions: Most ANC clients received a good level of services, and most PHCs had adequate facilities. However, disparities existed in ANC services and facility availability between central and peripheral areas and between family health and ordinary PHCs. Addressing these inequalities is crucial to ensuring equitable maternal healthcare access across Baghdad.