Predictors of husbands in supporting wives to use obstetrics care services by health professionals, Dire Dawa administration, Ethiopia: a community based cross sectional study

Background: Husbands’ support in obstetric care services is a process of social and behavioral change that husbands must undergo to prevent obstetric complications. But so far, studies across Ethiopia have been inconsistent and lacking in the study area. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing husbands’ predictors, which could help in interventions. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Dire Dawa administration, Ethiopia, from July 1-30, 2022. Participants were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire, entered into EPI data (Version 3.1), and analyzed using SPSS (Version 22). A p=0.05 or less at multivariate with 95% confidence intervals was considered statistically significant. Results: Of a total of 610, 51.8% of husbands support wives in using obstetrics care services. The predictors were urban residence (AOR=2.55, 95% CI: 1.75-3.73), education level of diploma and above (AOR=2.00, 95%CI: 1.10-3.74), perceived importance (AOR=1.98, 95% CI: 1.30-3.00), antenatal care visit accompanying experience (AOR=1.79, 95% CI: 1.04-3.07), and institutional delivery accompanying experience (AOR=6.20, 95% CI: 3.4-1.33). Conclusions: One in two husbands supports wives to use obstetrics care services provided by health professionals. Findings are helpful in advancing knowledge of husbands’ factors and highlight the need for health facilities and stakeholders to strengthen and create continuous community awareness.