The low utilization of skilled birth attendants sustained high maternal mortality. The aim of this study was to assess its magnitude
and correlates in Northwest Ethiopia. A study was conducted on 373 randomly selected women who gave birth in the 12 months
preceding the survey. Correlates were identified using binary logistic regression. Skilled birth attendance was 18.8%. Inability
to perform cultural practices in health facilities (65.5%), expecting smooth delivery (63.4%), and far distance (62%) were the
main barriers. Women with urban residence (AOR = 5.46: 95% CI [2.21–13.49]), primary (AOR = 2.10: 95% CI [0.71–6.16])
and secondary-plus (AOR = 6.12: [1.39–26.92]) educational level, four-plus ANC visits (AOR = 17.33: 95% CI [4.22–71.29]), and
proximity to health centers (AOR = 5.67: 95% CI[1.47–25.67]) had higher odds of using skilled birth attendants though women with
no labor complications had lower odds (AOR = 0.02: 95% CI [0.01–0.05]). Skilled birth attendance use was low. Urban residence,
primary-plus level of education, frequent ANC visits, living nearby the health centers, and a problem during labor were positively
correlated with skilled birth attendance utilization. Stakeholders should enhance girls’ education beyond primary level and ANC
services and shorten distances to health facilities.