Skilled Delivery Service Utilization and Associated Factors among Mothers Who Gave Birth in the Last Two Years in Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Giving birth in a medical institution, under the care and supervision of trained health-care providers, reduces the risk of maternal mortality and promotes child survival. Despite this, most mothers in Ethiopia are giving birth at home. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the level of skilled delivery service use and associated factors among mothers in Enarje Enawga District, Northwest Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed to recruit a total of 777 mothers who gave birth in the last two years. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to assess factors associated with skilled delivery service use. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were computed. RESULTS: Only 156 (20.1%) of the mothers had utilized skilled delivery service in the last two years. Mothers aged 15-24 years (AOR = 5.57), residing in urban areas (AOR = 1.80), and residing within a walking time of 16-30 minutes from health facility (AOR = 3.52) were more likely to use skilled delivery practice. Additionaly, mothers who had four and more antenatal care (ANC) visits (AOR = 4.94) and mothers who received health education (AOR = 5.04) were more likely to use skilled delivery service. CONCLUSION: The level of skilled delivery service use among mothers was low. Age, residence, distance from health facility, number of ANC visits and health education were found to be associated with skilled delivery service use. Community-based health education programs regarding the risks of home delivery is necessary with a special focus on younger mothers residing in rural area.