What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to identify factors associated with late initiation of antenatal care among pregnant women in Western Ethiopia.

February 9, 2026BMC Health Services Research0 citationsOpen Access

Late antenatal care initiation and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public hospitals of Kellem Wollega zone, Western Ethiopia: a facility-based cross-sectional study

MEMulatu Werkina EtichaHôpital d'Instruction des Armées Bégin HAHabtamu Molla AyeleHawassa University GOGadisa Fitala ObssieZvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research

Key Points

The research aims to identify factors associated with late initiation of antenatal care among pregnant women in Western Ethiopia.
Facility-based cross-sectional study design
Population included pregnant women attending public hospitals
Assessment of socio-demographic factors and ANC initiation timing
Statistical analysis to identify significant associations
High prevalence of late antenatal care initiation observed
Significant association with rural residence and delayed recognition of pregnancy
Lack of decision-making power linked to increased late ANC initiation
Need for increased awareness on recommended ANC starting time highlighted

Abstract

The magnitude of late antenatal care initiation was high. Rural residence, perceived appropriate time of first ANC initiation after 12 weeks of gestation, means of pregnancy recognition, and lack of decision-making power for ANC services were significantly associated with increased late ANC initiation. Stakeholders working in maternal and child healthcare need to focus on creating awareness of the recommended ANC starting time, empowering women to decide by themselves about antenatal care initiation.

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