Assessing the Relationship between Cultural Beliefs and Antenatal Care Accessibility in the Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

The objective of this is to assess the relationship between cultural beliefs and antenatal care accessibility in the Southern Punjab, Pakistan. The majority of women (95%) see a professional attendant and use the recommended prenatal method, just 46 percent of mothers really follow the advice. Twenty expectant women and eight health professionals from one urban tertiary care facility in Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan, were recruited. Data collection methods included in-person interviews, audio recordings and a demographic survey conducted between September and December of 2023. Maternal Cultural values included disclosing a pregnancy, consulting village elders, and upholding marital faithfulness. The regressive maternal values restricted the antenatal care of the pregnant women. Decisions about prenatal care are heavily influenced by cultural values. In particular, women are not allowed to seek prenatal treatment during the first trimester due to the belief and practice around when to declare pregnancy.