Effect of systems approach intervention on adherence to antenatal and postnatal appointments: a systematic review

Abstract

Maternal and child health is one of the most significant aspects of service delivery pillar. With every country focusing on the achievement of sustainable development goal number three (SDG 3), provision and utilization of maternal and child health services continue to attract global attention. Many countries make significant investments to provide these services at no cost to expectant mothers. However, maternal and child health services have not obtained optimal utilization for various reasons. Improving adherence to antenatal care (ANC) is an integral strategy to reduce under-five mortality and to improve maternal and child health. In sub-Saharan Africa, women often initiate antenatal care visit in their first trimester, but do not follow through to the recommended four ANC visits. Failure to attend ANC visits increases fetal, maternal, and neonatal mortality. Therefore, there is need for comprehensive systems to attain SDG 3 by 2030. A systematic approach intervention that cuts across health system has been proven to increase adherence. Interventions such as patient reminders and public relation initiatives such as information sharing, effective communication and education among health workers could prove effective in this course. The aim of this review is to examine the impact of systematic approach intervention on adherence to ANC appointments. The methodology included PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Google Scholar and PubMed databases were searched using the terms such as systems approach intervention, adherence to appointments, missed appointments, ANC visit attendance, Postnatal Care (PNC) visit attendance, ANC adherence, and PNC adherence. Biases were assessed based on geographical area and publication dates. The result of the review showed that all the studies included reported a positive effect of systems approach intervention in increasing appointment adherence, with an average of 42% appointment adherence and 35% reduction in missed appointments in antenatal and postnatal clinics across all the studies. Conclusively, systems approach intervention increases adherence to appointments in antenatal and postnatal clinics. Multiple interventions also produce better outcomes.