Background. Access to and utilization of facility delivery services is low in Ethiopia. The government of Ethiopia introduced a free delivery service policy in all public health facilities in 2013 to encourage mothers to deliver in health facilities. Examining the effect of this intervention on the utilization of delivery services is very important. Objective. In this study, we assessed the effect of provisions of free maternity care services on facility-based delivery service utilization in central Ethiopia. Methods. Data on 108 time points were collected on facility-based delivery service utilization (72 pre- and 36 postintervention) for a period of nine years from July 2007 to June 2016. Routine monthly data were extracted from the District Health Information System and verified using data from the delivery ward logbooks across the study facilities. An interrupted time-series analysis was conducted to assess the effect of the intervention. Results. The implementation of the free delivery services policy has significantly increased facility deliveries. During the study period, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of facility-based deliveries after the 24th and 36th months of intervention ( p < 0.05 ). Program effects on the use of public facilities for deliveries were persisted over a longer exposure period. Conclusion. The findings suggested that the provision of free delivery services at public health facilities increased facility delivery use. The improved utilization of facility delivery services was more marked over a longer exposure period. Policy-makers may consider mobilizing the communities aware of the program at its instigation.

Background Improving access to maternal health services has been a priority for the health sector in low-income countries; the utilization of facility delivery services has remained low. Although Ethiopia provides free maternal health services in all public health facilities utilization of services has not been as expected. Objective This study examined predictors of facility delivery service utilization in central Ethiopia. Methods We conducted a community-based case-control study within the catchment areas of selected public health facilities in central Ethiopia. Women who delivered their last child in a health facility were considered as cases and women who delivered their last child at home were considered as controls. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of facility delivery utilization. Result Facility delivery was positive and strongly associated with practicing birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) (AOR = 12.3, 95%CI: 3.9, 39.1); partners’ involvement about obstetric assistance (AOR = 3.1, 95%CI: 1.0, 9.0); spending 30 or less minutes to decide on the place of delivery and 45 or less minutes to walk to health facilities (AOR = 7.4, 95%CI: 2.4, 23.2 and AOR = 8.1, 95%CI: 2.5, 26.9, respectively). Additionally, having knowledge of obstetric complication, attending ≥ 4 antenatal care (ANC) visits, birth order and the use of free ambulance service also showed significant association with facility delivery. Conclusion Despite the availability of free maternal services there are still many barriers to utilization of delivery services. Strengthening efforts to bring delivery services closer to home and enhancing BPCR are necessary to increase institutional delivery service utilization.