Effect of Pregnancy Hand-Held Card on Antenatal Visits at Mansoura University Hospitals

A randomized experimental controlled trial was used to explore the effect of introducing Pregnancy Hand Held Card (PHHC) on the continuity and frequency of Ante Natal Care visits at Mansoura University Hospitals. One hundred pregnant women during their 1st trimester of pregnancy, free from medical and obstetric disorders, and can read and write participated in this study at their first antenatal visit. Participants divided randomly into 2 groups: The intervention group used the Pregnancy Hand-Held Card, while the control group used the institutional routine pregnancy card. Data has been collected using two tools (Base Line assessment questionnaire and Hand Held Card/or institutional routine card). Study results showed PHHC is an effective method that may be used for increasing the frequency of ANC visits. Risk factors associated with lower number of ANC visits included younger age, lower educational level, larger family size, lower family income and higher gravidity and parity and we recommend applying Pregnancy Hand Held Card in all Egyptian Antenatal Clinics.