Trends in prenatal care among pregnant women in the Marrakesh province, Morocco

Aziz AH. Habibi, Mohamed MO. Oucheg, Abdelhafid AB. Benksim, Mohamed MC. Cherkaoui

Abstract

This analytical cross-sectional study assessed the evolution of maternal health indicators in the Marrakech province by comparing data from 2014–2015 and 2020–2022. A total of 1,070 pregnant women were surveyed in three health facilities using a self-administered questionnaire and non-probability accidental sampling. Statistical analyses (Chi-square, Student’s t-tests, and logistic regression with Wald tests) were performed using SPSS 21.0. The results showed a significant improvement in prenatal care utilization over time. The percentage of women completing four recommended antenatal visits (ANC) increased from 36.9% to 49.5%, and early initiation of care in the first trimester rose from 55.3% to 82.8%. Completion rates of ANC1, ANC3, and ANC4, as well as the medicalization of consultations, also improved significantly. Logistic regression revealed strong associations between the 2020–2022 period, rural residence, and enhanced maternal health indicators. These findings underscore the positive impact of public health strategies and the resilience of Morocco’s health system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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