Timely initiation of antenatal care and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Southwest Ethiopia

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273152
• Publication Date: 2022-08-18T17:35:54Z
• Authors: Toffik Redi; Oumer Seid; Getaw Walle Bazie; Erkihun Tadesse A...; Niguss Cherie; Melaku Yalew
• Keywords: Prenatal Care; Postnatal Care

The timing of initiation first antenatal care visit is paramount for ensuring optimal and health outcomes women children. However, the existing evidence from developing countries, including Ethiopia, indicates that most pregnant are attending in late pregnancy. Thus, this study was aimed to assess timely associated factors among services Southwest Ethiopia.Institutional based cross-sectional conducted 375 April 15 June 15, 2019 Ethiopia. A structured pre-tested face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire technique used collect data. Systematic random sampling employed recruit women. data were entered into Epi version 4.4.2 analyzed using SPSS 25. Frequency tables, charts measures central tendency describe effect each variable on assessed bi-variable logistic regression. multivariable regression model identify with care. adjusted odds ratio 95% confidence interval p<0.05 care.The revealed 41.9% started timely. Pregnant who had good knowledge (AOR = 3.8, CI: 2.2-6.5), planned be 5.1, 2.9-8.9), being primigravida 2.6, 1.4-4.7) confirmed their pregnancy by urine test 4.1, 2.4-6.9) found significant predictors care.Despite efforts made make ANC freely available, area low. care, pregnant, Therefore, strengthen awareness its right time commencement, increase women's reducing unplanned pregnancies should organized.