Delayed Initiation of the 2016 World Health Organization Antenatal Care Contact and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women at Public Health Facilities of Kamba Zuria District South Ethiopia.

Introduction: Antenatal care involves specialized expert care for pregnant women from the onset of pregnancy until delivery.

Objective: To examine delayed initiation of the 2016 WHO antenatal care contact and associated factors among pregnant women at public health facilities of Kamba Zuria district, south Ethiopia, 2023.

Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 380 systematically selected pregnant women from May 1 to May 30, 2023. Data were entered using Epi-Data 7.1 Version and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was performed and all variables with a p < .25 in bivariable analysis have been shifted in multivariable logistic regression evaluation. Statistical significance was declared at a p < .05 in adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval.

Result: The magnitude of delayed initiation of the 2016 WHO antenatal care contact was 43.4% [95% CI: 38.4-48.4%]. Being a rural residence [AOR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.24-3.62], having a history of abortion [AOR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.14-0.45], unplanned being pregnant [AOR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.50-4.35], having illness during present-day pregnancy [AOR: 0.20, 95% CI:0.09-0.39], now not being a member of women's health development army [AOR: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.63-4.57], transportation get entry to hassle [AOR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.18-3.29] and own family length of 1-2 [AOR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.17-0.85], and 3-5 [AOR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22-0.84] have been appreciably associated.

Conclusion: Two in five pregnant women are not on time receiving their first antenatal care services. Being a rural resident, having a record of abortion, unplanned pregnancy, infection at some stage in pregnancy, transportation troubles, being a member of the women's health development army, and circle of relatives length were substantially related. Therefore, providing health education during early antenatal contact, proper gynecological and obstetric care, and strengthening women's health development might enhance the initiation of antenatal care.