ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOR AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE FACILITIES AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Appropriate health-seeking behavior during pregnancy is important for timely recognition of complications and utilization of maternal healthcare services. Delayed antenatal care (ANC) utilization remains an important maternal-health concern in Pakistan. This study assessed health-seeking practices and selected factors among pregnant women attending ANC at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi.

Objective: To assess health-seeking behavior and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 pregnant women attending ANC services at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated by five experts; internal consistency was reported as Cronbach's alpha = 0.87. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Frequencies, percentages, and descriptive measures were calculated. Pearson's chi-square test was used for exploratory associations between selected sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported health problems apart from pregnancy; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Of the 200 participants, 127 (63.5%) initiated ANC during the first trimester, 64 (32.0%) during the second trimester, and 9 (4.5%) during the third trimester. Healthcare professionals were the main reported source of knowledge about pregnancy danger signs (132, 66.0%). Mean recognition across nine listed danger signs was 161.22 correct responses, corresponding to 80.61%. When asked about the first action toward a perceived pregnancy complication, 168 (84.0%) reported that they would visit a hospital or health centre. Husbands were reported as influencing the ANC decision by 139 (69.5%) participants. Exploratory chi-square analyses showed no statistically significant association between self-reported health problems and age, marital status, religion, occupation, or education (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The study population reported several positive ANC and health-seeking practices, including relatively early ANC initiation, high recognition of pregnancy danger signs, and preference for formal healthcare during perceived complications. Continued education, promotion of early ANC registration, and involvement of husbands and families may support timely maternal healthcare utilization. Because the study used purposive sampling and a single tertiary hospital, the findings should be interpreted within the study setting.