The unbooked patient. Part I. Reasons for failure to attend antenatal clinics
Hamilton, R.A.; Perlmann, T.; de Souza, J.J.
South African Medical Journal 71(1): 28-31
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 3798289 Document Number: 298282
Two hundred unbooked mothers were questioned after delivery and their reasons for non-attendance at antenatal clinics were determined. The control group consisted of 310 mothers who had booked early and were good clinic attenders. The most significant difference between the two groups was that the unbooked mothers were of lower socioeconomic status and lived in poorer areas situated further from the hospital. The mean reasons given for not attending hospital clinics included the expense involved and the fact that the mothers often stayed outside the area during the pregnancy.