Background: In Ethiopia, the level of maternal mortality is among the highest in the world [676 per 100,000 live
births]. This is attributed to among other factors non use of modern health services, particularly health facility delivery.
The risk of maternal death can be reduced if mothers give birth at the health facilities, where skilled birth attendants
make close follow up, early detection and take corrective measures against complications. Hence, this study was
aimed to assess determinant factors contributing to health facility delivery services utilization in Lemo district, South
Ethiopia.
Methods: Community based unmatched case control study assessed predictors of health facility delivery in Lemo
district using interviewer administered questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0.
Logistic regression analysis was done to identify predictors of health facility delivery among women who has given birth
in the last three years prior to the study.
Results: Family sizes of 1-4, husbands attended higher education, women occupation being merchant, husbands’
occupation being daily laborer and merchant were socio-demographic predictors of health facility delivery. In the other
way, history of at least one abortion, history of still birth and receiving counselling during antenatal care were obstetric
predictors of health facility delivery in Lemo district.
Conclusions: Health facility delivery service utilization was significantly associated with counselling received
on birth preparedness and complication readiness plan during antenatal care visit, previous experience of abortion
and stillbirth. Family size of 1-4, husbands attended higher education, women occupation being merchant, husband
occupation being merchant and daily laborer were also found to be associated with facility delivery. Ways to improve
mothers’ awareness about maternal health services given, the benefits of receiving these services and complications
related to pregnancy and delivery should be designed and implemented.