Previous utilization of service does not improve timely booking in antenatal care: Cross sectional study on timing of antenatal care booking at public health facilities in Addis Ababa

Abstract

Background: Antenatal care is more beneficial in preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes when it is sought early in pregnancy. However, existing evidence from developing countries including Ethiopia indicate that few women seek antenatal care at early stage of their pregnancy.
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the timing of ANC booking and impact of previous antenatal care utilization on timing of first antenatal care booking in Addis Ababa governmental health institutions.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted to collect data from 630 pregnant women who were attending antenatal care service at 10 governmental health centers in Addis Ababa from March 1 to 30, 2008.
Results: Past experience on antenatal care service utilization did not come out as a predictor for timely booking of antenatal care (OR=1.40, 95%CI: 0.91, 2.15). Multivariate analysis revealed that respondents who received advice on recommended time of booking, their pregnancy was planned and first pregnancy, were more likely to book timely compared to others (AOR=10.10, 95% CI: 4.54, 22.40; AOR=1.87, 95% CI:1.11, 3.23; (AOR= 1.86, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.44) respectively.
Conclusions: Past utilization of antenatal care service did not come as a predictor for timely booking of the service, provided that advice on timely booking is the main factor. In order to improve the situation, strengthening of focused antenatal care, availing of clear service delivery guidelines and training of service providers are important.