Predictors of Intention for Institutional Delivery among Pregnant Women in Yirgacheffie Town, Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Most maternal deaths occur because of delays in obtaining adequate medical care. The use of traditional birth attendants and home delivery were prefered by most of the community members. Major causes of maternal deaths in Ethiopia which include infection, hemorrhage, obstructed labor, abortion and hypertension in pregnancy are easily preventable by skilled birth attending. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 252 pregnant women in Yirgacheffie Town, Gedio Zone, South Ethiopia from September-October 2015. After establishing the sampling frames of the respondents, systematic random sampling technique was used to identify the study unit to be included in the study. Data collection instruments were developed according to the standard guideline of theory of planned behavior. The data were analyzed using SPSS.21.0. Multiple linear regressions were used to identify predictors of intention. Mean score of intention was found to be 10.95 (SD=2.5) (Range of possible score=3 -15). Direct attitude (β=0.27, 95%CI: 0.19-0.35), belief-based attitude (β=0.08, 95%CI: 0.01 -0.16), subjective norm direct (β=0.16, 95%CI: 0.07-0.26), control belief (β=0.18, 95%CI: 0.13 -0.24) and educational status (β=0.32, 95%CI: -0.15 -0.22) were positively predicted institutional delivery intention. However, age, occupation and perceived behavioral control were not significantly associated with delivery care seeking intention (p>0.05). The women participated in the study has good (above average) intention toward institutional delivery and direct attitude, blief based attitude, subjective norm, control belief and educational status were significantly associated with intention.