Abstract

This study investigates the low utilization of contemporary health facilities for antenatal care (ANC) by women with disabilities in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. It emphasizes the critical role of inclusive health communication in improving maternal and child health outcomes and advocates for participatory communication approaches to enhance service delivery.

Grounded in Participatory Communication Theory—which highlights the importance of giving marginalized groups a voice—the study examines the barriers faced by pregnant women with disabilities in accessing ANC services. The research employed qualitative methods, including Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), In-Depth Interviews (IDIs), and observations. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 20 participants, comprising 15 women with disabilities (including pregnant women and mothers) and five key informants (three women and two men).

Findings reveal that the uptake of ANC services by this population is alarmingly low, threatening the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality. Key barriers identified include inadequate social support, inaccessible hospital facilities, limited resources, long distances to health centres, financial constraints, low literacy levels, and insufficient awareness among healthcare workers about the specific needs of pregnant women with disabilities.

To address these challenges, the study recommends the provision of social support, improved accessibility in hospital design, the adoption of e-health technologies, and enhanced training for healthcare workers on disability-specific antenatal needs. Additionally, free ANC services and participatory communication strategies are essential to fostering an inclusive healthcare delivery system that meets the needs of women with disabilities. These measures are critical for increasing ANC uptake and promoting equitable maternal healthcare.