Date of Award

11-2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Advanced Practice Midwifery (MSc-APM)

First Advisor

Dr. Maureen Akolo

Second Advisor

Mr Horatius Musembi

Third Advisor

Prof. Eunice Ndirangu

Department

School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa

Abstract

Due to stigma and discrimination, female sex workers (FSWs) in sub-Saharan Africa encounter obstacles while attempting to get antenatal care (ANC), as sex work is a crime. As a result of not using family planning (FP), FSWs frequently experience unwanted pregnancies. This study looked into the antenatal experiences of FSWs, how they receive ANC and any obstacles they encounter. The broad objective of the study was to assess the determinants of ANC attendance among FSWs in Nairobi County. The specific objectives were to assess the level of knowledge on the importance of ANC attendance, identify the challenges to ANC attendance and describe the level of uptake of ANC services among FSWs. The study utilised a cross-sectional descriptive study design using a quantitative approach. The study area was the Starehe SWOP facility. The study population was FSW within 18 to 49 years. The sampling procedure was simple random sampling. Data collection method was self-administered questionnaires. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. Most participants were aged 30 to 34, single, and from Kayole. Some of the participants had disclosed the nature of their work to HCW. Most participants started ANC at seven months. Late ANC initiation was due to the challenges associated with ANC attendance. As shared by participants, these challenges included the attitude of healthcare workers, distance to the healthcare facility, and longer waiting times. Many FSWs in this study had terminated pregnancy, and the reason for this action was poverty. FSWs face many challenges while seeking ANC services. Recommendations include further research using different study approaches, educating FSWs on ANC and health care workers (HCWs) to minimise stigma, and outreach programs among FSWs that target ANC services.

First Page

1

Last Page

130

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