Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Maternal and neonatal health remains a serious issue in Ethiopia, with substantial disparities
in access to and utilization of antenatal care services. World health organization
recommended eight contact approach in 2016. Despite this recommendation, adherence to
eight antenatal care contacts is low in Ethiopia. Intention has the strongest direct influence on
behavior to engage in antenatal care contacts.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the intention to use eight antenatal care contacts and associated
factors among pregnant mothers in Karat town, Konso Zone, southern Ethiopia, 2024.
METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 395
pregnant women in Karat town. The study participants were selected using a simple random
sampling method. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were
collected by face-to-face interview, EpiData version 4.6, and SPSS version 26 were used.
Bivariate analysis was done and variables with a p-value ≤ 0.25 were entered into the multi
variable analysis. AOR with a 95% confidence interval was used to estimate associated
factors. P-value < 0.05 was used to declare the level of statistical significance.
RESULT: The study showed that 79% (95% CI: 75.10, 82.80) of pregnant women were
intended to use eight antenatal care contacts. Participants favorable attitude (AOR = 3.46,
95% CI: 1.63, 7.35), positive subjective norm (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.04, 4.65), positive
perceived behavioral control (AOR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.63, 6.66), having media exposure on
maternal health service (AOR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.31, 5.24), knowing pregnancy danger signs
(AOR = 3.36, 95% CI: 1.36, 8.32), and couple decision making (AOR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.30,
6.23) were factors significantly associated with intention to use eight antenatal contacts.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
The intention to use eight antenatal care contacts in Karat town was suboptimal. The
statistically significant factors of intention to use eight antenatal care contacts were direct
subjective norm, direct and indirect perceived behavioral control, indirect attitude, media
exposure, knowing pregnancy danger sign and couple decision-making. Husband
involvement, health information dissemination, community-based initiatives, and educational
campaigns were recommended to enhance the intention to use eight antenatal care contacts
