Completion of the continuum of maternity care and associated factors among women who gave birth in the last 6 months in Chelia district, West Shoa zone, Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundThe continuum of maternity care is a continuity of care that a woman receives during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period from skilled providers in a comprehensive and integrated manner. Despite existing evidence regarding maternal healthcare services discretely, the continuum of maternity care and its associated factors are not well-known in Ethiopia.ObjectiveThis study assessed the completion of the maternity continuum of care and associated factors among women who gave birth 6 months prior to the study in the Chelia district.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study with a stratified random sampling technique was conducted among 428 mothers at 10 randomly selected kebeles. Pretested and structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyzes were performed to identify associated factors. Adjusted odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval was used to determine the degree of association, and statistical significance was declared at a p-value of <0.05.ResultsIn this study, 92 (21.5%) mothers completed the continuum of maternity care. Secondary and above education of mothers (AOR = 4.20, 95% CI:1.26–13.97), ≤30 min spent on walking by foot (AOR = 4.00, 95% CI: 1.67–9.58), using an ambulance to reach health facility (AOR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.23–11.06), para ≥5 mothers (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.05–0.90), planned pregnancy (AOR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.02–10.57), attending pregnant women's conference (AOR = 13.96, 95% CI: 6.22–31.30), early antenatal care booking (AOR = 3.30, 95% CI: 1.54–7.05), accompanied by partners (AOR = 3.64, 95% CI: 1.76–7.53), and informed to return for postnatal care (AOR = 3.57, 95% CI: 1.47–8.70) were the factors identified.ConclusionIn this study, completion of the maternity continuum of care was low. Therefore, appropriate strategic interventions that retain women in the continuum of maternity care by targeting those factors were recommended to increase the uptake of the continuum of maternity care.

Prevalence and predictors of men's involvement in pregnancy care in Modakeke, Southwest Nigeria

“…For instance, a study by Alemi et al ( 3 ) established that accompanying a pregnant woman to antenatal care raised the odds of commencing antenatal visits during the first trimester, adequate use of antenatal care services, health facility delivery and presenting for postnatal check-ups. Reports from numerous studies similarly indicated that male participation in pregnancy-related care predicted increased likelihoods of maternal health service utilization, continuum of care completion, infectious diseases prevention, obstetric complications awareness, birth preparedness involvement, reduction in postpartum depression and postpartum modern contraception utilization ( 5 , 6 , 26 , 28 , 30 – 32 ). Thus, active male partner's support during pregnancy can enhance the quality of life of mother and child and facilitate reduction in the rates of maternal and child morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries.…”

“…Education is the most consistent social determinant health of a society as it informs knowledge, attitude and practice that promotes positive health behaviors and outcomes ( 35 ). This is evidenced by numerous studies addressing various public health issues including pregnancy-related care ( 7 , 23 , 25 , 30 , 33 , 35 , 36 ). Education substitutes traditional gender norms with liberal attitudes of shared responsibility, provides access to resources and equips individuals with relevant knowledge across various life domains, including reproductive health, thus, fostering increased male partner's engagement during pregnancy ( 12 , 37 ).…”