Delay in reaching institutional delivery service utilization among mothers attending Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Maternal delay in the utilization of delivery services is one of the contributing factors for high maternal mortality in developing countries. However, it is preventable by timely arrival for obstetric care. The difference between life and death in obstetrics might be a matter of timely arrival and management. The objective of this study was to assess factors associated with maternal delay in reaching institutional delivery service utilization among mothers attending Jimma Medical Center. Method: Facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed. The sample size was determined by a single population proportion formula and entered into epi data version 3.1, then exported to SPSS version 23. The data was presented using texts and tables. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis with 95% CI for odds ratio (OR) was used to assess the factors. Result: The prevalence of maternal delay in reaching institutional delivery service utilization was 163(40.2%). Low husbands' educational levels were significantly associated with delay in reaching: illiterate (AOR=4.22, 95% CI: 1.10-16.19), primary (AOR=3.88, 95% CI: 1.24-12.1). Mothers who live in rural areas have been delayed 2 times more than mothers who live in urban areas (AOR=2.22, 95% CI: 1.044-4.73). Likewise, mothers who live a long distance from health facilities are 13 times more likely to delay than mothers who live ≤ 10 kilometers (AOR= 12.89,95%CI:6.66-24.94). Conclusion: Delay in reaching institutional delivery service was high. Factors such as husband's education, distance of health facility, and living area were significant factors with delay in reaching.