Table 4 Identified themes and subthemes from FGDs
Key issues | Themes | Sub themes |
|---|---|---|
Perceived barriers to utilization of ANC services | Poverty | • Health facility was far from home and pregnant women feeling tied to walking long distances |
• Women or family not having income to afford transport | ||
• Having no fare for hiring a bicycle or paying for a boda boda | ||
• Not having a maternity dress | ||
Fear of HIV testing | • Pregnant women’s fear of HIV testing | |
• Male partner fear of HIV testing results | ||
• Misconception regarding HIV testing | ||
• Self stigmization arising from HIV results | ||
• Infidelity among men/risk behaviors in fishing community and mining community | ||
Socio-cultural beliefs | • Men’s refusal to escort women/men feel no need to be involved | |
• Normal practices or habits because no history of pregnancy related complications | ||
• Parental influence especially among those couples who live with their parents | ||
Challenges faced by women when utilizing the ANC services | Lack of male involvement | • Unfriendly male environment |
• Men not willing to escort women | ||
• Attended ANC clinic but not provided services as male partner did not attend | ||
Perceived poor quality of care | • Services not available because supplies and/or drugs are out of stock | |
• No services available most of the times | ||
• Long waiting times for services | ||
• Frequent shortages of health providers | ||
Informal regulation | • HIV testing is no longer voluntarily | |
• Male partner must be there during the first ANC visit | ||
• Not receiving HIV testing since a man is not with you | ||
Coping strategies for existing ANC requirements | Men for hire | • Husband for hire do exist in our villages |
• Men will not accept escorting their wives | ||
• Boda boda men are willing to accompany women if they are provided with a little money for escorting you | ||
Letter from village leaders | • To avoid being scolded and to obtain services you get a letter from village leader to present to the CHWs | |
• If your partner refuses to escort you state that he is away | ||
Health facility | • Attend a health facility that is far away from your home | |
• Where health providers do not know you or your husband |