Proportion and Factors Associated with late Antenatal Care Booking among Pregnant Mothers in Gondar Town, North West Ethiopia

The proportion of pregnant women initiating prenatal care during first trimester pregnancy is one of the standard clinical performance measures to assess the quality of maternal health care. Aiming to assess the proportion and factors associated with late booking at antenatal care, this health-institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2012 among 390 pregnant mothers in Gondar town. The proportion of late entry to antenatal care was 64.9% with the mean time being 4.5 1.8 months of pregnancy. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that respondents who didn't get information on correct time of booking, perceived the right time of booking beyond 12 weeks of pregnancy, were not autonomous to use antenatal care and recognized their pregnancy by missing periods were more likely to book late. Late booking was high in the study area. Empowering women and providing information, education and communication with emphasis on timely booking is important.