Under-utilization of antenatal care services in Timor-Leste: results from Demographic and Health Survey 2009-2010.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Timor-Leste is a young country in the Asia-Pacific region with a high maternal mortality rate of 557 per 100,000 live births. As most maternal deaths can be prevented by providing quality antenatal care (ANC) and skilled assistance during childbirth, understanding the barriers to the utilization of ANC services can enhance program implementation. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with the under-utilization of ANC services in Timor-Leste. METHODS: Timor-Leste Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) 2009-2010 was a nationally representative multi-stage cross-sectional study involving 11,463 households and 9,828 childbirths. Information on last born ..