The Prevalence of Skilled Birth Attendant Utilization and Its Correlates in North West Ethiopia

Abstract

The low utilization of skilled birth attendants sustained high maternal mortality. The aim of this study was to assess its magnitude and correlates in Northwest Ethiopia. A study was conducted on 373 randomly selected women who gave birth in the 12 months preceding the survey. Correlates were identified using binary logistic regression. Skilled birth attendance was 18.8%. Inability to perform cultural practices in health facilities (65.5%), expecting smooth delivery (63.4%), and far distance (62%) were the main barriers. Women with urban residence (AOR = 5.46: 95% CI[2.21–13.49]), primary (AOR = 2.10: 95% CI[0.71–6.16]) and secondary-plus (AOR = 6.12:[1.39–26.92]) educational level, four-plus ANC visits (AOR = 17.33: 95% CI[4.22–71.29]), and proximity to health centers (AOR = 5.67: 95% CI[1.47–25.67]) had higher odds of using skilled birth attendants though women with no labor complications had lower odds (AOR = 0.02: 95% CI[0.01–0.05]). Skilled birth attendance use was low. Urban residence, primary-plus level of education, frequent ANC visits, living nearby the health centers, and a problem during labor were positively correlated with skilled birth attendance utilization. Stakeholders should enhance girls’ education beyond primary level and ANC services and shorten distances to health facilities.