ABSTRACT
Adequate use of antenatal care is considered helpful in preventing maternal and child mortality and morbidity. The literature, thus, widely documents the facilitators and barriers associated with antenatal care (ANC) utilization in SSA countries, including Ghana. This has led to the emphasis of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on promoting ANC use, in order to meet goals three, five, and ten. However, the role of internal migration on ANC utilization is less explored although internal migrants are considered socially, economically, and culturally vulnerable. To address this void, we studied ANC utilization among internal migrants in the Brong-Ahafo Region (BAR) from the Upper West Region as a case study. Specifically, we fitted logistic regression analyses on the cross-sectional data (n=700) to examine the role of length of residence in the BAR on timing of first ANC visit, and frequency of ANC. Results indicate that recent migrants (ten years or less) are less likely to visit ANC more than four times and less likely to make the first visit within three months when compared to their established counterparts (more than ten years). Importantly, these differences were partly attenuated by socioeconomic variables. Based on these findings, we provide some policy recommendations to optimize advancement toward the cross-cutting priorities of SDG 3 (health and well-being), SDG 5 (gender equality), and SDG 10 (reduce inequality). We also identify important topics for future research.
