Utilization of focused antenatal care service and associated factors among women in Southern Ethiopia

Introduction: Antenatal care is a medical service provided to women during pregnancy with the aim of improving the pregnancy outcome. The approach considers that every pregnancy has the potential to be complicated. Objective: This study aimed to assess the utilization and factors associated with attending focused antenatal care (FANC) service in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 551 women who gave birth in the last 2 years. In this study, multistage cluster sampling technique was employed to select primary and secondary sampling units. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were done to determine associated factors. P < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval were considered to declare statistical significance. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 26.4 ± 4.9 years. The overall utilization of FANC was 85%. Among 540 interviewed mothers, 243 (45%) followed four and above times antenatal care visits during their last pregnancy, whereas 297 (55%) mothers followed <4 times. Mother's educational status, travel time, knowledge of danger signs, plan for last pregnancy, and knowledge on starting FANC were associated with FANC utilization. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed low utilization of recommended FANC. Efforts to improve utilization of FANC must strengthen initiatives that promote pregnant mothers' awareness on benefits of antenatal care, promote pregnancy planning, and reduction of travel time to health facility.