PERCEPTION AND SATISFACTION ABOUT THE QUALITY OF ANTENATAL CARE AMONG ANTENATAL WOMEN AT NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, NNEWI

Antenatal care quality is shaped not only by access to services but also by women’s perception of care providers’ attitude, the services received, and the overall care environment. In Nigeria, patient satisfaction with ANC is strongly associated with provider responsiveness, communication, empathy, equipment availability, and ease of obtaining medicines.

Aim: This study assessed antenatal women’s perception of care providers’ attitude and ANC services received, their satisfaction with both, and the factors influencing these outcomes at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi.

Methods: A facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 170 antenatal clinic attendees at NAUTH, Nnewi. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics; perceptions of provider attitude and ANC services; satisfaction with provider attitude and ANC services; and perceived influencing factors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented as frequencies and percentages.

Results: Most respondents had a very good or a good perception of both care providers’ attitude and ANC services received (59.4%, 56.5%, respectively). Satisfaction was highest for provider explanations (80.2%) and attention (51.0%), but 63.5% were not satisfied with the information received, the waiting time (68.8%), and the facility's neatness (57.3%). Perceived determinants of satisfaction included waiting time (21.9%), staff behaviour (63.5%), space (5.2), and equipment availability (70.8%).

Conclusion: Antenatal women at NAUTH generally perceived ANC positively, but dissatisfaction remained in communication, waiting time, and environmental aspects of care. Strengthening provider communication and improving clinic organization are important for better satisfaction