Abstract:
Background: Adequate antenatal care (ANC) is effective at promoting better health outcomes
for both mother and child during pregnancy. Despite increased attention on antenatal care service
coverage, the adequacy of service provision has not been well addressed in Ethiopia, specifically
in Ambo town.
Objectives: To assess adequacy of antenatal care service utilization and its associated factors
among women attending delivery service at public health facilities in Ambo town, West Shoa
Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among women attending
delivery services at public health facilities in Ambo town from August 1 to October 30, 2023. A
total of 407 women were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. Data were
collected using pre-tested structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. The collected data
were entered into Epi info version 7.2.2.6 and analyzed by SPSS version 26. Descriptive
statistics; frequency, proportion, mean and standard deviation were used. Both bivariable and
multi-variable analysis were computed. Those variables with p-value <0.25 during bivariable
analysis, were exported to multivariable analysis, crude odd ratio and adjusted odds ratios with
95% confidence interval was reported. Statistical significance of association was determined at
p-value <0.05. The model fitness was checked by Hosmer-Lemeshow test.
Result; The magnitude of adequate ANC service utilization was 25.3% (95% CI: 21.4-30.0).
Planned pregnancy (AOR = 2.88 (95% CI:1.61–5.17), having good knowledge (AOR = 4.98
(95% CI:2.89-8.57), higher educational level (college and above) (AOR = 3.38 (95%
CI:1.72–6.62)), married women (AOR = 3.74(95% CI:1.06–13.93), younger age (AOR = 3.67
(95% CI:1.35–9.95) were factors associated with the adequate ANC service utilization.
Conclusion and Recommendation: The overall adequacy of ANC service is quite low in relation
to the adequacy of ANC service utilization of the WHO recommendation. Planned pregnancy,
having good knowledge, higher educational level, married women, younger age were factors
significantly associated with adequate ANC service utilization. Therefore, health care providers
need to provide interventions related information, education and communication to improve the
adequacy of ANC service utilization.
