Maternal Factors Associated with Healthcare Facility Delivery in South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The most essentially effective approach for decreasing mother and newborn death is thorough treatment at a medical center during and post-pregnancy. This study aims to assess the factors affecting maternal mortality in the South Gondar zone and the prevalence of hospital delivery services. The community-based cross-sectional study design was used from May 2020 to May 2021. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered by an interviewer, targeting 434 women of reproductive age selected through a two-stage cluster sampling method, and logistic regression analysis was employed for the analysis. The study found that 76% of births in the study region took place at medical facilities. Women who completed primary, secondary, and tertiary education were 4.912 times (AOR = 4.912; 95% CI: [2.287, 10.552]), 7.609 times (AOR = 7.609; 95% CI: [2.215, 12.145]), and 17.533 times (AOR = 17.533; 95% CI: [11.083, 23.294]) more likely to give birth in a healthcare setting, respectively. Additionally, women with road access to healthcare facilities were 2.780 (AOR = 2.780; 95% CI: [1.540, 5.021]) times more likely to deliver in a health institution, while those who did not have media exposure were 57% (AOR = 0.429; 95% CI: [0.258, 0.712]) less likely to do so. In the study area, the use of healthcare facilities is extremely low. Efforts must be made to reduce maternal deaths by establishing a highly effective healthcare system, by providing ambulances that are available in every district and educational initiatives should be expanded.