Al-Hikmah University Journal

This study investigates the motivational factors influencing the uptake of antenatal services among pregnant women attending secondary and tertiary health institutions in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. Despite global efforts to improve maternal health, Nigeria continues to experience significant maternal and neonatal mortality rates, largely attributed to poor antenatal care (ANC) utilization. This research employed a cross-sectional design with a multistage sampling technique to select 260 pregnant women as respondents from three health institutions in the study area. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The study revealed a significant relationship between the regularity of ANC visits and motivational factors such as healthcare workers' attitudes, the availability of healthcare facilities, and family support. However, community interventions had minimal influence on ANC uptake. Based on the findings, it is recommended that continuous education and training be provided to healthcare workers, and that group antenatal care be adopted for efficiency. Future research should extend to rural communities to provide a broader understanding of ANC utilization.