Late antenatal care initiation: the case of public health centers in Ethiopia

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of late initiation of antenatal care visit and associated factors among antenatal care follow up women in Tselemte district health facilities. The data were obtained at health facilities level in a single survey within 1 month and there is no continuation part of this study or previously published part elsewhere.Results60.5% of women were late to initiate the first antenatal care visit. Time constraint with household activity (24.4%), distance to health center (17.2%) and fear of long waiting time in health facility (19.5%) were among the reasons mentioned for late initiation of antenatal care visit. Monthly income ≤ $21(400 ETB) (AOR = 4.54, 95% CI 1.07, 19.33), women who accompanied by their husband during antenatal care visit (AOR = 6.99, 95% CI 2.82, 17.31), who had information access on antenatal care (AOR = 4.85, 95% CI 1.88, 12.50) and distance from home to health center (AOR = 5.44, 95% CI 1.54, 19.25) were significantly associated factors with late initiation of antenatal care visit. This study illustrated that large number of pregnant women still late for first antenatal care visit. Husband involvement and health education about the timing of antenatal care initiation should be encouraged in all aspects of maternal care.