Dubale Dulla, Deresse Daka, Negash Wakgari
Consequences of pregnancy and childbirth are still the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Antenatal care is one of the most effective interventions in reducing maternal mortality in the developing world. Hence, this study assessed the antenatal care utilization and its associated factors among pregnant women in Boricha district, southern Ethiopia. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from January, 2015 to October 2015. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 626 women. Data were collected through structured and interviewer administered questionnaires. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. A significant percentage 477 (76.2%) of the respondents were ever attended antenatal care. The educational status of the respondents and occupation of their partners were significantly associated with antenatal care utilization. Number of pregnancy, number of live birth, place of delivery and the profession of birth attendants were also significantly associated with antenatal care utilization. A significant percentage of respondents were ever attended antenatal care. Community mobilization and intensive utilization of community health agents are recommended to enhance the utilization of antenatal care.
