Implementing Group Antenatal Care in Tanzania: Enablers and Barriers

This study examined facilitators and barriers to Group Antenatal Care implementation in low-resource settings in Tanzania using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

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Study Overview

This qualitative study explored factors influencing Group Antenatal Care (G-ANC) implementation in Geita, Tanzania, using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Researchers conducted focus group discussions with pregnant and recently delivered women, alongside interviews with healthcare providers, facility leaders and health managers, between June and November 2024.

Key Findings

Key enablers included peer support, supportive leadership, teamwork and adaptability. Positive experiences among women, providers and community health workers reinforced implementation.

Barriers included inadequate meeting space, workforce shortages, competing clinical demands, socioeconomic constraints and privacy concerns.

Feasibility and Implementation

The findings highlight the importance of adapting G-ANC to local conditions. Effective scheduling supported continuity, while successful integration requires sufficient health system capacity and attention to community needs.

Conclusion

Strengthening implementation enablers and addressing barriers across the health system and community can support the adoption of G-ANC within routine maternal and newborn health services.

The paper was published in 2026 in PLOS Global Public Health.