Browsing by Author "Bireda, Hibret"

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    The Impact of Distance on Accessing Antenatal Care Services: The Case of Dendi Wereda, West Shoa Zone
    (Addis Ababa University, 2007-07) Bireda, Hibret; Gurmu, Eshetu (PhD)
    This study is an attempt to examine the impact of distance on accessing antenatal care services in Dendi Wereda of west Shoa Zone. From the point that, Public health planners should be provided evidence to decide whether the maternity units are fairly distributed or not, this research, demonstrated how a Geographical Information System (GIS) can be used to provide information on distance to the closest maternity unit and determine whether distance really matter in accessing the services. The distributions of health facilities are mapped and localities and population groups that appear under-serviced are highlighted. Consequently, in order to achieve the objectives of this study, an attempt was made to collect data through questionnaire surveys of 806 households located at various distances from the available facilities. Descriptive statistics, Bivariate and Multivariate logistic regression analysis were employed to explore the relative importance of a number of physical, demographic and socia economic Variables in the likelihood of using these services. The study found that about 78.7percent of women had not attended antenatal care services for their recent child in the last five years. Moreover, out of the total users, only 21.1 percent of women hadfour and abovefour visits. Resultsfrom multivariate analysis indicated that there is a statistically significant variation in the use of antenatal care services as distance increases. Similarly, there was a significant variation in the use of the service with an increase in literacy level and woman decision making power. Therefore, the current endeavor by the government to narrow the gap in accessing ANC services by locating facilities within a ten kilometer radius should be strengthened. Parents should also be aware of the benefits of female education on the change of health status of the future mothers.