Determinants of Maternal Care Service Utilization

Many of women in developing countries are at high risk in terms of maternal morbidity and mortality due to factors related to pregnancy and childbirth. A cross sectional study was conducted at Gozamin Woreda to assess factors affecting utilization of maternal health care services. Structured questionnaires and FGD were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The study revealed that about 59.3% of the women had at least one prenatal visit and 64% of those had less than four antenatal care contacts. Being healthy and being too busy were the most reasons not to attend ANC service. The risk of non-attendance of ANC and home delivery was higher for those women whose residence was rural, higher parity and being housewife at old age. About 71% of deliveries took place at home. Presence of relatives nearby, Transportation, and lack of privacy were the main reasons to home delivery. In conclusion, demographic and socio-cultural factors were found to be barriers to utilization of maternal health care services. Increasing maternal health service coverage and promotion of IEC in the community are recommended.