UTILIZATION OF ANTENATAL CARE EIGHT CONTACTS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG MOTHERS WHO GAVE BIRTH IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS IN NORTH SHOA ZONE, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA, 2024

Background:- Maternal health outcomes depends on utilization of recommended antenatal care. However, in sub-Saharan countries, including Ethiopia, the coverage of recommended antenatal care is low. The World Health Organization recommends eight antenatal care contacts, but there is little evidence on their uptake. This study assesses the utilization of antenatal care eight contacts and associated factors in North Shoa Zone. Objective: - To assess utilization of antenatal care eight contact and its associated factors among mothers gave birth in the last six month in North Shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia, in 2024. Methods:- A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May, 2024 involving 635 mothers gave birth in the last six months who were randomly selected. Data were collected through interview based semi structured questionnaire. Epi-data version 4.6 and SPSS 25 facilitated data entry and analysis. Binary and multiple logistic regressions were performed, reporting adjusted odd ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results:-The response rate of the study participants was 98.3%. Utilization of antenatal care 8 contacts in North Shoa Zone was 17.15%, (95% CI: 14.3 -20.3). Being in age >35years (AOR=4.29, 95% CI: 1.22-15.09). Being age range of 25 – 29 and 30-34 years (AOR = 2.93, 95%CI: 1.01-8.56) and (AOR = 10.70, 95% CI: 3.31-17.36) respectively. Having planned pregnancy (AOR=1.90, 95%CI: 1.12-3.27). Booking in <12 weeks of gestation (AOR=3.90, 95%CI: 1.87-6.15). Attending primary and diploma and above (AOR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.01- 2.58) and (AOR=1.45, 95%CI: 1.10, 2.65) respectively. Residing in urban areas (AOR=4.29 (2.17 8.49) and travelling more than 1-3 hours to reach the health facility (AOR = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.06 0.47) have significant association with utilization of ANC 8 contacts. Conclusion:- The coverage of ANC eight contacts was low and can be influenced by the factors like maternal age, maternal education, planned pregnancy, residence, ANC booking time and distance from nearest facility. Therefore, Strategic interventions to address the identified barriers are essential to improve service utilization in line with recommended guidelines in the area.