Factors affecting the utilization of antenatal care in developing countries: systematic review of the literature

This paper is a report of a systematic review to identify and analyse the main factors affecting the utilization of antenatal care in developing countries.

Antenatal care is a key strategy for reducing maternal mortality, but millions of women in developing countries do not receive it. DATA SOURCES: A range of electronic databases was searched for studies conducted in developing countries and published between 1990 and 2006. English-language publications were searched using relevant keywords, and reference lists were hand-searched. REVIEW METHODS: A systematic review was carried out and both quantitative and qualitative studies were included.