Improving Access to Recommended Antenatal Care Services in Rural Cte dIvoire Through Free Services, Information, and Financial Planning Support

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to improve the use of recommended antenatal care services in rural Cte dIvoire by studying supply- and demand-side interventions. Despite increased availability of maternal health services, many women still miss essential care due to costs and decision-making challenges within households. The study addresses gaps where men often control finances but may lack information about pregnancy-related expenses. The study compares different approaches including providing free key services like ultrasounds, lab tests, and iron and folic acid supplements to pregnant women, as outlined in the national free maternity care policy. It also evaluates the effects of giving pregnant women and their partners information about antenatal care through videos and financial planning sessions. Participants are randomly assigned to receive combinations of these interventions, such as videos alone, videos plus vouchers, financial planning, or both together with partner involvement. Participants will watch educational videos about antenatal care, receive financial planning support, and get vouchers for important antenatal services depending on their group. Researchers will monitor uptake of recommended care, number of malaria prevention doses, care quality, knowledge scores, financial barriers, satisfaction, father involvement, and birth outcomes. Measurements occur during pregnancy and 4 to 8 weeks after pregnancy ends, with close tracking of service use and health impacts throughout the study period.

Improving Uptake of Antenatal Care Services in Rural Côte d'Ivoire