The objective of this study is to estimate the quality of antenatal care in Senegal. A survey was conducted in 49 health centers near 70 health workers practising antenatal cares for pregnant women. The quality of cares was assessed on 13 essential actions, which were classified in 4 components. The global score of quality and the specific score of each component were calculated and analysed according to the qualification and the duration of time in the work of the health workers, the location and the equipment of the centers. Global quality of prenatal cares was linked with the qualification of agents. The component "screening for risk factors" had low and worse score and "reception of pregnant women" also. These 2 components were not linked with the qualification of agents, contrary to the 2 others, pregnancy and mother health surveillance. The duration of time in service and the equipment had no influence in global and specific scores. The health workers qualification was linked with many components of quality, but a good basic training is not sufficient to provide prenatal care of high quality. It must be define a framework with screening for unfavorable ends of pregnancy.
PIP: In Senegal, the rate of maternal mortality is estimated to be 510 deaths per 100,000 live births. In order to lower this rate, the national program against maternal mortality decided to guarantee at least 3 prenatal consultations (PC) per pregnant woman and the proper management of all at risk pregnancies. Results are presented from an evaluation of the technical quality of PCs in Senegal¿s health districts. The retrospective study was conducted in 4 health districts, involving 49 facilities and 70 health workers, of which half were midwives. There are 45 health districts throughout the country. The quality of PCs was judged based upon scores given for 13 key facets of the consultations. The overall quality of PCs was linked with the workers¿ qualifications. Half of the personnel gave no information to the pregnant woman regarding consultation. The duration of time in service and the quality of health centers¿ equipment influenced neither overall service quality nor specific service scores. The health workers¿ qualifications were linked to several aspects of quality, but a good basic training is insufficient to provide high-quality prenatal care. Health personnel need to be taught how to screen for potential pregnancy-related problems and complications.