The Impact of Distance on Accessing Antenatal Care Services: The Case of Dendi Wereda, West Shoa Zone
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Date
2007-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
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.
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Accessing Antenatal Care Services