A Review of Device-Free Indoor Positioning for Home-Based Care of the Aged:Techniques and Technologies

With the development of urbanization,the problem of neurological diseases brought about by population aging has gradually become a social problem of worldwide concern.Aging leads to gradual degeneration of the central nervous system,shrinkage of brain tissue,and decline in physical function in many elderlies,making them susceptible to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease(AD),stroke,Parkinson’s and major depressive disorder(MDD).Due to the influence of these neurological diseases,the elderly have troubles such as memory loss,inability to move,falling,and getting lost,which seriously affect their quality of life.Tracking and positioning of elderly with neurological diseases and keeping track of their location in real-time are necessary and crucial in order to detect and treat dangerous and unexpected situations in time.Considering that the elderly with neurological diseases forget to wear a positioning device or have mobility problems due to carrying a positioning device,device-free positioning as a passive positioning technology that detects device-free individuals is more suitable than traditional active positioning for the home-based care of the elderly with neurological diseases.This paper provides an extensive and in-depth survey of device-free indoor positioning technology for home-based care and an in-depth analysis of the main features of current positioning systems,as well as the techniques,technologies andmethods they employ,fromthe perspective of the needs of the elderly with neurological conditions.Moreover,evaluation criteria and possible solutions of positioning techniques for the home-based care of the elderly with neurological conditions are proposed.Finally,the opportunities and challenges for the development of indoor positioning technology in 6G mobile networks for home-based care of the elderly with neurological diseases are discussed.This review has provided comprehensive and effective tracking and positioning techniques,technologies and methods for the elderly,by which we can obtain the location information of the elderly in real-time and make home-based care more comfortable and safer for the elderly with neurological diseases.

Knowledge and practice skills on home-based urinary catheter care among parents of under-five children with urinary catheter

Objectives:The objectives of this study were to assess the knowledge and practice skills on home-based urinary catheter care among parents of under-five children with urinary catheter.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1,2021,to September 11,2021,in a tertiary hospital in north India.Purposive sampling was used to select 50 participants.Three instruments were employed for data collection after fulfilling sample criteria;for baseline information demographic tool,knowledge questionnaires,and a practice checklist.Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results:On assessment of 50 participants,the majority of parents aged above 30 years(74%).Most of the participants were male(82%),graduated(38%),and working in the private sector(58%).Similarly,two-thirds of participants were residing in a nuclear family(64%)with a single child 32(64%)and family income<5000 rupees per month(60%).The mean score of knowledge was 1.94±0.81 and that of practice skills was 1.98±0.85 on home-based care.Regression analysis showed that knowledge of parents was significantly associated with qualification(β:1.821,P=0.002).Similarly,association of practice skills of parents with gender(β:1.235,P=0.050)and qualification(β:1.889,P=0.00)was significant.Conclusion:The general findings of our study showed that parents’education and occupation played a significant role in a child’s care.Parental education and catheter care skills positively affect the child and reduce readmission rates.

Practice Environment, Work Characteristics and Levels of Burnout as Predictors of Nurse Reported Job Outcomes, Quality of Care and Patient Adverse Events: A Study across Residential Aged Care Services

To understand how to create a stabile workforce achieving excellent quality of care and patient safety, associations between practice environments and nurse and patient outcomes have been widely studied in acute and psychiatric care hospitals. Knowing residential aged care services are challenged to tackle complex patients’ needs within certain working conditions, to what extent do nurses perceive their practice environment in geriatric care? In a cross-sectional survey, a sample of 709 registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse aides employed in 25 residential aged care services completed a structured questionnaire composed of various validated instruments measuring nurse practice environment factors, nurse work characteristics, burnout, nurse reported job outcomes, quality and patient adverse events. Associations between variables across residential aged care services were examined using multilevel modelling techniques. Associations were identified between practice environment factors, work characteristics, burnout dimensions, and reported outcome variables across residential aged care services. Multiple multilevel models showed independent variables (nursing management at the unit level, workload, decision latitude, social capital, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization) as important predictors of nurse reported outcome (job satisfaction, turnover intensions), quality of care (at the unit, the last shift, and in the service within the last year) and patient adverse events (patient and family complaints, patient falls, pulmonary and urinary tract infections, and medications errors). Results suggested the importance of nurse practice environment factors, nurse work characteristics and perception of burnout on nurse and patient outcomes across their nurse practice environment. Challenging the complex care of a vulnerable and frail population executives, physicians, nursing leaders as well as nurses in their nurse practice environment shared responsibility to create working conditions achieving excellent quality and patient safety.

Emergency department use among patients from residential aged care facilities under a Hospital in the Nursing Home scheme in public hospitals in Queensland Australia

BACKGROUND: Hospital emergency department(ED) use by patients from residential aged care facilities(RACFs) is not always appropriate, and this calls for interventions to avoid some unnecessary uses. This study aims to compare patterns of ED use by RACF patients with and without a Hospital in the Nursing Home(Hi NH) program.METHODS: RACF patients presenting to EDs of a hospital with and a hospital without this program during pre- and post-intervention periods were included. Data on patient demographics and ED presentation characteristics were obtained from the Emergency Department Information System database, and were analysed by descriptive and comparative statistics.RESULTS: In both hospitals, most RACF residents presenting to EDs were aged between 75–94 years, female, triaged at scale 3 to 5, and transferred on weekdays and during working hours. Almost half of them were subsequently admitted to hospitals. In accordance with the ICD-10-AM diagnostic coding system, diagnoses that consistently ranked among the top three reasons for visiting the two hospitals before and after intervention included Chapter XIX: injury and poisoning and Chapter X: respiratory diseases. Associated with the intervention, significant decreases in the numbers of presentations per 1 000 RACF beds were identified among patients diagnosed with Chapter XI: digestive diseases [rate ratio(95%CI): 0.09(0.04, 0.22); P<0.0001] and Chapter XXI: factors influencing health status and contact with health services [rate ratio(95%CI): 0.22(0.07, 0.66); P=0.007].CONCLUSION: The Hi NH program may reduce the incidence of RACF residents visiting EDs for diagnoses of Chapter XI and Chapter XXI.

Evidence of Care of the Aged in Ghanaian Communities—A Scoping Review

Sub-Saharan Africa population is increasing in age with little acknowledgement on the consequences of the issues of ageing. Aim: To explore and describe evidence in published literature on care given to the aged at home and how they prepare for their ageing. Method: The study applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) framework for systematic literature reviews using the population, intervention, comparison and outcome (PICO) method to track the eligibility of research questions. This method was the most appropriate for use in exploring the current position in available literature for that of Ghana. The research was performed using five electronic databases from January to July 2017 taking into consideration the set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Only studies written in English were considered and a total of 18 articles met the study criteria. Reviewers extracted primary studies comprising quantitative, qualitative and critical reviews. Result: The literature review showed shortcomings in care for the aged at home. From the search, six core themes were generated: neglect of aged care;aged care for the younger generation;aged living arrangements;government neglect;preparedness;and care of the aged in Ghana. Conclusion: This review offered significant insight into care for the aged in their homes. The inclusive nature of the rigorous approach used provided a good understanding of underlying issues on the needs of the aged. Challenges for future are broadened in scope for more research and effective awareness for interventional projects, services on care given to the aged.

Shared Decision Making in Residential Aged Care: A Framework Synthesis

Very little is known about shared decision making (SDM) in residential aged care, despite world-wide policy and imperatives that encourage resident choice and autonomy. This paper provides a framework synthesis of SDM in residential aged care (RAC) and potential barriers and enablers to implement SDM utilising a theoretical framework of implementation. A review of the literature on SDM in RAC from 2005 to 2016 was undertaken, using MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL, PsychINFO and Scopus. The articles were synthesised by utilising an implementation theory framework to better understand what may facilitate or hinder the introduction of SDM. Eighteen studies were identified and analysed to determine barriers and enablers to SDM in RAC from the perspectives of staff, residents and relatives. A workplace culture of person-centred care and judicious use of research evidence are enablers of SDM. There is a potential need for additional resources, such as education for staff and families to enable implementation of SDM. Implementation of any health care intervention, including SDM, relies on many complex factors but these are predominantly related to capacity. Determining current uptake and readiness of RAC organisations, residents and their families to adopt SDM is an essential starting point.

Method to Evaluate the Location of Aged Care Facilitiesin Urban Areas Focusing on the Equity in Terms ofUsers’Accessibility

The present study developed and tested a method to evaluate the location of aged care facilities from the viewpoint of whether they are equitably located for users,using the improved Median Share Ratio(MSR).By evaluating the current location of aged care facilities,it is possible to extract the districts which are short of facilities.The evaluation method was applied to Chofu and Kiyose Cities in Tokyo Metropolis,Japan,and the evaluation result of weighting and that of not weighting by elderly population were compared and discussed.Consequently,adopting the evaluation method with weighting by elderly population,it is possible to adequately examine the districts where new aged care facilities should be constructed.From this evidence,it is significant to evaluate the location of aged care facilities,using the improved MSR with weighting by elderly population in the study.

Research Progress on the Home-based Healthcare Plan for the Elderly with Chronic Diseases

Objective:To develop a home-based care plan for the elderly person with chronic diseases based on the status of their home-based care needs and relevant literature.Methods:The clinical data consisted of 132 patients who were 60-year-old or older with chronic diseases from June 2019 to May 2020 were selected and categorized into control and treatment groups of 66 patients each.For the experimental group,a care team for chronically ill elderly receiving regular post-treatment bome-based care.Meanwhile,a general clinical care team for chronically ill elderly receiving regular treatment for the control group.The effectiveness of these two healthcare models was evaluated and analyzed.Results:Results showed that satisfaction and effectiveness of home-based care among the elderly with chronic diseases were statistically better(P<0.05)than those in the usual care group.Conclusion:Providing home-based care services to elderly patients with chronic illnesses helps them to improve their chronic disease condition,patients are more receptive to home care,and patients have higher rates of recovery and treatment satisfaction.

Meta-analysis of the willingness rate of community home-based care in China

Objective:To systematically evaluate the willingness rate of the community to provide for the aged at home and analyze its influencing factors.Methods:By searching the CNKI,VIP,Wanfang,we collected literature on the willingness of the elderly in the community to provide for the aged from 2011 to 2021,extracted the data,and evaluated the quality of the included literature.Then,CMA 2.0 software was used for Meta-analysis.Results:A total of 13 articles were included in this study,and 16,402 people over 60 years old were surveyed,1782 people were willing to provide for the aged at home in the community,with a total willingness rate of 11%(95%CI:9%to 26%).The results of subgroup analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the community home care willingness rate of elderly people with different gender,education levels,marital status,monthly income,living alone,the number of children,and residence(P<0.05).There was not any statistically significant difference in the willingness rate of the elderly with different ages,chronic diseases,self-care ability,and loneliness(P>0.05).Conclusion:The overall willingness rate of the elderly in the community of the elderly is relatively low in China.Gender,education level,marital status,monthly income,living alone,number of children,and residence are factors affecting the prediction of community elderly will.

Home-based nursing for improvement of quality of life and depression in patients with postpartum depression

BACKGROUND Postpartum depression is a common mental illness in puerpera,with an incidence of approximately 3.5%-33.0%abroad,and the incidence of postpartum depression in China is higher than the international level,reaching 10.0%-38.0%.Providing effective nursing care in clinical nursing activities is one of the key points of obstetrical care.However,little research has been designed to investigate the positive role of home-based nursing in the prevention of postpartum depression.AIM To study the effect of home-based nursing for postpartum depression patients on their quality of life and depression.METHODS The clinical data of 92 patients with postpartum depression treated at our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were grouped according to the nursing methods used;40 patients receiving basic nursing were included in a basic nursing group,and 52 receiving home-based nursing were included in a home-based nursing group.Depression and anxiety were evaluated and compared between the two groups.The estradiol(E2),serotonin(5-hydroxytryptamine,5-HT),and progesterone(PRGE)levels were measured.RESULTS The SAS and SDS scores of the home-based nursing group were significantly lower than those of the basic nursing group(P<0.05).The E2 and 5-HT levels of the home-based nursing group were significantly higher than those of the basic nursing group,but the PRGE level was significantly lower than that of the basic nursing group.The GQOLI-74 scores(material,social,somatic,and psychological)and nursing satisfaction were significantly higher in the home-based nursing group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Postpartum depression through home-based nursing can effectively alleviate depression and improve the quality of life of patients,help modulate their serum E2,5-HT,and PRGE levels,and improve their satisfaction with nursing care.

Factors Affecting the Utilization of Antenatal Care among Married Women of Reproductive Age in Merca, Lower Shebelle, Somalia

Worldwide more than thousands of women and new born are at the danger of die from pregnancy and child delivery complications. Antenatal care (ANC)/ pregnancy care is the health care where expecting mothers and new born receive medical care or medical attention. The aim of this study is to examine factors affecting the utilization of antenatal care among married women of reproductive age in Merca, lower Shebelle, Somalia. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional and qualitative study design that was carried out from June to August 2022 and this study was carried out in Merca, district lower Shabelle, Somalia. Data were collected from 325 married women of reproductive age who have at least one child and more than living in Merca district. Result: Our study found that the magnitude of antenatal care uptake was 31.1% during the examined period. Very low utilization of antenatal care in Somali women is worrying in the face of high vulnerability of maternal complications. In terms of age diverse and utilization of antenatal care, women in younger age group 15 - 30 were more to utilize antenatal care services than with women in older age group 31 years above (p-value < 0.007). Our study also identified that there is association between level of education and level of utilization among women about antenatal care services (p-value < 0.001). In terms of level of awareness about antenatal care services, it is significantly associated with the level of utilization antenatal care (p-value < 0.001). Our study identified that the number of complaining complications related previous pregnancy that have no awareness about antenatal care services was higher than number of utilized antennal care awareness about antenatal care (p-value < 0.001). Based on these results, it is recommended to improve women’s awareness about antenatal care services by using health education program.

Preconception Care Health Education for Female Workers of Reproductive Age in Japan Evaluation up to 6 Months after the Program

Objectives: The aim of this study was to implement a health education program for education of preconception care (PCC) for female workers of reproductive age through a seminar and to evaluate the program based on PCC knowledge and awareness and behaviors before the seminar and at 3 and 6 months after the seminar. Methods: A small group health education seminar was implemented using leaflets for 84 female workers of reproductive age, age 20 to 35 years old, and an intervention by group discussion and feedback was provided. Of these participants, 60 (71%) who provided valid survey responses were included in the analysis. The primary outcome indicators were PCC knowledge, PCC awareness and behaviors, and a food frequency questionnaire, and the secondary outcome indicators were self-efficacy and the health awareness and stress management subscales of the Health-Promotion Lifestyle Profile scale. The survey was conducted three times, before the seminar and at 3 and 6 months after the seminar, and the results were compared. Results: The percentage of individuals with PCC knowledge was significantly increased at 3 months after the seminar as compared with before the seminar, and it remained at this level even at 6 months after the seminar. The percentage of individuals with PCC awareness and behaviors was significantly increased for the items actively eat foods containing folic acid, prevent sexually transmitted diseases, and conduct self-examinations for breast cancer at 3 months after the seminar and for the items eat well-balanced meals, make the mind active, prevent sexually transmitted diseases, and conduct self-examinations for breast cancer at 6 months after the seminar. Furthermore, the score for the health awareness subscale of the Health-Promotion Lifestyle Profile scale was significantly increased at 6 months after the seminar. Conclusion: The health education program established PCC knowledge at 6 months after the seminar and improved some PCC awareness and behaviors. Therefore, it was suggested that the program would be effective for education of PCC for female workers of reproductive age.

Fitness Age Score and the Risk of Long-Term Care Insurance Certification—The Kyoto-Kameoka Longitudinal Study

Long-Term Care Insurance System has been introduced to provide appropriate care for the elderly who needs nursing care in Japan. Physical function is one of most important function for the elderly to live independently. A previous study had established a Fitness Age Score (FAS) based on a theory for biomarker of aging. This study clarified whether the FAS could be used to predict the need for certification of long-term care (CLTC) in independent elderly people. We included 939 independent, community-dwelling-elderly (average age, 74.4 years) whose physical function was measured and for whom the CLTC was tracked for 24 months. The FAS comprised five physical fitness items: Walking time, grip strength, one-leg standing, vertical jump, and functional reach test. Based on the FAS, we calculated the odds ratio (OR) for the CLTC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC) was used for further analysis. We also used the Youden Index (YI), minimum distance method (MD), and two-graph ROC method (TG) to calculate cutoff values (CVs) for screening. We divided subjects into the low and high physical fitness group with CVs. We developed cumulative CLTC curves using the Kaplan-Meier method. Sixteen people could not be tracked for the full 24 months. The measurement of FAS was completed for 798 people, of whom 28 became CLTC. The measurement of FAS was not completed for 125 people, of whom 21 became CLTC. The CLTC OR for people with incomplete FAS was 5.553. The AUC was 0.72 (p < 0.001). The CVs for the FAS were -0.29 for YI (sensitivity, 92.9% and specificity, 40.4%), -1.23 for MD (57.1% and 73.4%), and -0.81 for TG (60.7% and 60.9%). The cumulative CLTC curves according to CVs all showed significant differences (p = 0.000 - 0.020). In conclusion, the FAS can be used to predict CLTC.

Health Care Policy and Reform—Case Study on Liberia Tuberculosis among Childbearing Age Women

Objective: Liberia health care needs to focus on addressing this disease called Tuberculosis among childbearing age women in Liberia and the world;focusing on women’s health governance of Liberia should involve these three sets of actors to control a disease outbreak. The first set of state actors, including politicians, policymakers, and other government officials, need to provide health care education in every part. The public sector health bureaucracy comprising the health ministry, health, social insurance agencies, public pharmaceutical procurement and distribution entities, etc., is central. Still, non-health public sector actors also play a role. Methods: The researcher used the questionnaire method as the main instrument for the study. Results: This survey indicates that 48% of those responding to health education can reduce TB among childbearing age women showed that education could minimize the spread of TB. 25% can improve economic status. 27% said it could reduce the illiteracy rate. The instruments used were positively related to the topic to obtain the needed findings. This set comprises public, private, should not be-for-profit individuals and groups that deliver health services and organizations that support service provision: medical training institutions, health insurance agencies, the pharmaceutical industry. Health service delivery can be presenting from the health system perspective, with inputs, processes, outputs, and outcomes. WHO’re Systems Thinking for Health Systems Strengthening explaining that service delivery includes “effective, safe and quality personal and non-personal health interventions that are providing to those in need, when and where needed (including infrastructure), with minimal waste of resources”. Conclusion: Inputs for a sound health system, the need for health care delivery include financial resources, competent health care staff, adequate physical facilities and equipment, essential medicines and supplies, current clinical guidelines, and operational policies.

Prevelance of Pregnancy Complications among Women Aged 15 - 49 in Oğuzeli, Turkey

As maternal deaths have decreased worldwide, increasing attention has been placed on the study of severe obstetric complications, such as hemorrhage, eclampsia, and obstructed labor, to identify where improvements can be made in maternal health. The objective of this study was to determine pregnancy complications and prenatal care among women aged 15 - 49 in O&#287;uzeli, Turkey, and to provide data for prevention in the field. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May 2013 in O&#287;uzeli distinct, Turkey. The total women registered to family doctors in O&#287;uzeli was listed and, 470 women were selected using a stratified and simple random sampling technique. Pregnancy complications were asked for the last pregnancy of each women. Of the women, 23.9% (n = 109) declared that they experienced pregnancy complications during their pregnancies. The most frequent problems were anemia (11.1%) hypertension (3.7%) and diabetes mellitus (2.4%) respectively. Women having chronic diseases before their pregnancy were more likely to have pregnancy complications compared to healthy women (p = 0.005). The mean number of prenatal care among women having pregnancy complications was 5.47 ± 3.57, while it was 3.84 ± 3.00 among healthy women (p = 0.000). Women having chronic diseases should be handled carefully and, pregnancy should be delayed until the chronic disease’s remission. Family planning in primary care is the key measure to archive this. Early diagnosis of hypertension among young women is highly important for the women’s and infants’s health during pregnancy, and for the women’s future heath. During prenatal care, women should be trained about correct eating habits and activity.

On the Development and Innovation of Smart Old Age Care in China

The aging of China’s population is accelerating,and the contradiction between the growing needs of the elderly for a better life and the unbalanced and insufficient development of the existing old age care services is increasingly prominent.The advantages of smart old age care combined with the development of innovative old age care services,has initiated a new wave of development of old age care in China.Along with the intensive introduction of national policies,pilot projects and explorations have been deployed throughout the country.The current development trend of smart old age care mainly focuses on data and smart equipment.The core of the former is data collection,evaluation and utilization.The latter focuses on the use of equipment and the general control of the data platform.The innovation of smart old age care mainly includes the innovation of old age care concepts,synergy mechanisms,technology means,service modes and service content.

Analysis of Distribution of Public Toilets within Walking Range around Communities of the Elderly under the Model of Community Home-based Care for the Elderly: A Case Study of Changxindian, Fengtai District, Beijing

In recent years,under the influence of multiple factors such as traditional ideas and living economic conditions,the aging population in China continues to increase.Most of the elderly are more inclined to aged at home,and the first places for elderly activities are communities and the surrounding environment,which greatly affects the convenience of life and happiness of the elderly.In this paper,Changxindian area in Fengtai District of Beijing was as the research object,and detailed calculation and analysis were carried out by using POI data and arcGIS software.The relative location of residential areas and surrounding public toilets was explored,and the best location of public toilets in the daily walking area under the model of community home-based care for the elderly was further studied.

Health personnel's experience with resident-centered care in nursing homes in Korea: A qualitative study

Objectives: Changing the culture in nursing homes in South Korea comes with challenges,and the key issues of resident-centered care have been described.This study aims to describe health personnel's experience in providing resident-centered care in nursing homes.Methods: Qualitative data were collected through individual and focus group interviews consisting of registered nurses (n =4),certified nurse assistants (n =2),and long-term caregivers (n =12) working at nursing homes in South Korea.The participants (n-18) completed the interviews from May to June 2018,and all interviews were recorded,transcribed,and analyzed by employing the content analysis method.Results: Five main categories are conceptualized: (1) residents' participation in decision making,(2) the sharing of the history and story of residents,(3) the recognition of facility-or task-based attitudes,(4) the guarantee of private time and space for residents,and (5) the need for standardized guidelines.Conclusions: Results corroborate that health personnel regard resident-centered care as a desirable nursing paradigm.However,facility-or task-centered care is the most effective in hectic situations.A standardized protocol on the application of resident-centered care based on the facility-tailored specification is unavailable.Therefore,health personnel's perception and practice of resident-centered care can differ.Efficient nursing intervention programs should be developed after clarifying facility culture.

Examining older patient preferences for quality of care in postacute transition care and day rehabilitation programs

Background: Quality in health care has traditionally been determined based on clinical or health outcomes. However, these factors may not be the only aspects of health care that are important to patients. Within rehabilitation factors related to the process of care, the way in which rehabilitation services are delivered, may also be important to patients when defining quality of care. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the preferences of older people receiving post-acute outpatient rehabilitation or residential intermediate (transition) care for alternative configurations of rehabilitation programs. Methods: A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was designed to elicit the preferences of older people for the design and delivery of post-acute rehabilitation programs. The participants were older adults (≥65 years) receiving post-acute outpatient rehabilitation or residential intermediate (transition) care in South Australia. Each participant was presented with a series of choice questions involving two hypothetical programs, the characteristics of which varied in every choice. Participants were then asked to select their preferred program. Results: Despite marked differences in case-mix and dependency levels, the preferences of the two groups were very similar, focusing on relationships and communication with health care professionals. Both groups demonstrated very strong preferences for the use of an electronic medical record and for receiving information about their treatment and progress via a meeting with a specialist physician and nurse. The outpatient rehabilitation group also exhibited a strong preference for a shared decision making model in relation to their future care needs. Conclusions: The findings highlight the commonality of preferences of older patients receiving post-acute services for the optimal configuration of rehabilitation services. Issues prioritised were service integration and access to senior medical and nursing staff. The study demonstrates the practicality and validity of DCEs to determine older people’s preferences in defining quality of care.

Analysis of Antenatal Care and its Related Factors among Married Chinese Women

Objective To explore the related factors of antenatal careMethods The data derived from National Demography and Reproductive Health Survey in1997 conducted by National Population and Family Planning Commission. 11 892 women whohad given birth to at least one survival child were involved in this study. SAS software was usedin multivariate analysis.Results The average rate of general antenatal care is 57.3% and has increased dramatically inthe recent 30 years. The major reason why most subjects didn’t have antenatal care was lackingthe recognition of the importance of antenatal care. The antenatal care was associated withresidence in rural area or urban area, age, educational level, parity of the last birth, localaverage income, distance between home and township in rural area and so on.Conclusion Women of childbearing age need to improve their health knowledge; thegovernment should increase the availability of antenatal care.