Journal of Global Research in Education and Social Science

Malawi has registered a big number of maternal deaths and newborn or birth complications over the years.  This is prevalent in many rural areas and villages across the country. The reason behind these maternal deaths and newborn complications is delayed access to early Antenatal Care visits (ANC). ANC is distinct and special care given to pregnant women to ensure improved health outcomes i.e., to avoid maternal deaths and newborn complications. Chiphwanya Health Centre which is found in Dedza district, the central region of Malawi, is well vested in this task. This research study was, therefore, conducted to assess factors leading to delayed access to ANC care in Maganga Village which surrounds the aforementioned health centre. The study adopted a mixed-method where both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analysed. Quantitative data were collected from pregnant women while qualitative data was collected from guardians and health personnel. The results indicate that 43% of women and 50% of stakeholders considered traditional beliefs as the key contributor to delayed access to ANC. Over 20% of pregnant women and 6.7% of key stakeholders attributed distance as a reason for delayed access to ANC services. It can be concluded that delayed access to ANC portrayed in this area is due to traditional beliefs and distance. Hence, the need for awareness campaigns so that the community is well informed of the importance of ANC and the local leaders should have a touch on issues regarding ANC.