Early antenatal care follow-up is the main strategy of preventing pregnancy related adverse outcomes; in which World Health Organization recommends first antenatal care visit should be offered within the first trimester. However, Low utilization and late booking is the predominant problem in most developing countries including Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of late initiation for antenatal care follow-up and associated factors among pregnant women. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 pregnant mothers using systematic sampling technique. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed at the level of significance of p-value ≤ 0.05. The findings showed 59.4% of pregnant women started their first visit after first trimester. Having age ≥ 25 years (AOR = 1.62, CI 1.1, 2.49), recognition of pregnancy by missed period (AOR = 2.54 CI 1.63, 3.96), pregnant mother who were not advised to start antenatal-care (AOR = 3.36, CI 1.74, 6.5) and primary educational level (AOR = 2.22, CI 1.16, 4.25) were found to be significantly associated with late initiation for antenatal care. The prevalence of late antenatal care follow-up is high. Multidisciplinary approaches to keep empowering women through education are recommended for early initiation of antenatal care.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of postpartum modern family planning utilization and associated factors among postpartum mothers in Debre Tabor town, North West Ethiopia, 2018. The proportion of postpartum modern contraceptive utilization in Debre Tabor town was 63% (95% CI 59%, 67.4%). In multivariable logistic regression analysis; age of the mother (25–29) [AOR: 2.004 (95% CI 1.079, 3.722)], married women [AOR 4.804 (95% CI 1.843, 12.521)], return of menses [AOR: 3.639 (95% CI 2.454, 5.396)] and previous history of family planning [AOR: 2.409 (95% CI 1.474, 3.937)] were the factors positively associated with utilization of postpartum modern contraceptive.

Background: Childbirth-related mortality and morbidity affect many women globally, especially in low-income countries like Ethiopia. Obstetric fistula–a preventable condition mainly caused by prolonged and obstructed labor–can lead to physical, psychological, and social challenges, affecting women’s social participation and inclusion. Objective: This study aims to understand women’s social participation and inclusion experiences post-obstetric fistula surgery. Methods: This study is part of a larger research project investigating the social inclusion process of women who have had obstetric fistula surgery in Ethiopia. For this study, we conducted a qualitative exploration of women’s experiences, guided by a constructivist grounded theory approach. Twenty-one women discharged from fistula treatment facilities following obstetric fistula surgery were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Data was analyzed using Charmaz’s inductive analysis approach, which involves an initial line-by-line coding followed by focused coding to identify the most significant codes. Subsequently, sub-themes and themes were developed from the focused codes. Result: The data analysis revealed four themes reflecting the women’s experiences of social participation and inclusion. These are the experience of recovery and the journey toward social participation, participating in expected and meaningful activities, the continued challenge with a romantic relationship, and formal and informal support. Overall, the women who received fistula surgery reported positive life changes, especially regarding their physical well-being. However, they continued to face social challenges such as financial hardship, reproductive health problems, and issues with marriage and family life, which negatively impacted their social participation and inclusion experiences. Conclusion: While more research is needed, the findings of this study suggest that the social aspects of obstetric fistula are crucial for healthcare professionals to consider. Providing appropriate care and support to address unmet social relationship, employment, and childcare needs could enable women to lead fulfilling lives.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess utilization and associated factors of emergency contraception among women seeking abortion services in Health Institutions of Dessie town, North East Ethiopia, 2018. Results: Among the interviewed 784 women 400 (51%) utilized emergency contraception. Women’s age of 20–24 years [AOR: 2.10, (95% CI 1.200,3.671)], urban residence [AOR: 2.02 (95% CI 1.273, 3.218], being single [AOR: 1.71, (95% CI 1.176, 2.485)], being knowledgeable on emergency contraception [AOR: 5.66, (95% CI 3.976,8.070)], and having favorable attitude towards emergency contraception [AOR: 2.75 (95% CI 1.946, 3.881)] were significantly associated factors with the utilization of emergency contraceptives. Emphasis has to give on health education on emergency contraceptives focusing on those women who are from the rural area, older and married women.

Obstetric fistula is a childbirth complication causing abnormal openings between the urinary, bowel, and genital tracts, leading to involuntary leakage and potential long-term disability. Even after surgical repair, women continue to face psychological and social challenges that affect their social inclusion and participation. This study explored family and service provider perspectives on current support systems and identified gaps affecting women’s inclusion and participation post-fistula surgery. Building on a prior study of women who underwent obstetric fistula surgical repair, we qualitatively examined available formal and informal post-surgical supports in Ethiopia. We conducted 20 interviews with family members and service providers and analyzed them using Charmaz’s grounded theory inductive analysis approach. We identified four themes that indicated the available formal support in fistula care, the impact of formal support on women’s social participation and inclusion, the gaps in formal support systems, and post-surgery informal supports and their challenges. Both groups believed support needs for women after surgery remain unmet, highlighting the need to strengthen holistic support services to improve women’s social inclusion and participation. This study contributes to limited research on formal and informal support for women, emphasizing the need for enhanced economic, psychological, and sexual health-related support post-obstetric fistula surgery.

Objective The aim of the study was to assess utilization and associated factors of emergency contraception among women seeking abortion services in Health Institutions of Dessie Town, North East Ethiopia, 2018.Results Among the interviewed 784 women 400(51%) utilized emergency contraception. Women’s age [AOR: 2.10, (95% CI 1.200, 3.671)], residence [AOR: 2.02 (95% CI1.273, 3.218], marital status [AOR: 1.71, (95%CI: 1.176, 2.485)], knowledge of emergency contraception [AOR: 5.66, (95%CI: 3.976,8.070)], and attitude towards emergency contraception [AOR: 2.75(95%CI: 1.946, 3.881)] were significantly associated factors with the utilization of emergency contraceptives. The emphasis of health education on emergency contraceptives shall focus on those women who are from the rural area, older and married women.