2024-11-062024-11-062024https://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/13995This research aims to assess the complexities and prospects for improving Antenatal care (ANC) services in Sri Lanka, particularly concerning urban-rural inequality, non-communicable disease (NCDs) influence, and the effectiveness of technology and culture in delivering standard ANC services. The study outlines several shortcomings in the provision of ANC services, especially in rural settings characterized by few healthcare facilities, resource constraints, and insufficient numbers of skilled specialists to tackle inequalities in maternal health. The research also points to ways by which these inequalities hinder the improvement of maternal and neonatal health, particularly in rural areas. Pregnant women live with new and rising NCDs including diabetes and hypertension which work to exacerbate the challenges posed to ANC services by illustrating the insufficiency of existing guidelines and provision of resources. This has contributed to disparities in the quality of care received and also the vulnerability of such patients in high-risk pregnancies resulting in the need for clear management plans/ guidelines and improved continuing education of health providers. This research utilizes a desk review method as the research technique, an approach that involves the gathering of data from various sources such as the literature, policies, and information procured from established organizations. The study aims to establish the potential of using technology, with a specific focus on telemedicine and mobile health (mHealth) in overcoming the existing gaps in the provision of ANC services. These technologies are likely to enhance clients’ ability and the quality of care particularly in the rural regions because of potential consultation, follow-ups, and enhanced interaction between the client and the service providers. However, the effectiveness of those technological solutions directly depends on how the problem of the digital divide and the low technical literacy of the rural population will be solved. Another determinant of the adequacy of ANC services is the cultural beliefs of the women. Concerning cultural practices, combined with the involvement of traditional birth attendants (TBA) is seen to enhance the acceptability and utilization of the ANC services. The study is a call for a change in healthcare practices, to better reflect the cultural values of clients and give cultural education to improve maternal healthcare. Therefore, the government must allocate more funds, enhance the guidelines for the management of NCDs, and incorporate technology of cultural relevance into the offer of enhanced ANC services across the country.Thesis