Antenatal Care Utilization and Associated Factors among Internally Displaced Reproductive Age Women in the North Shewa Camps of Amhara Region, 2023

Background: Ethnic-induced conflict has displaced millions in Ethiopia. There is a paucity of information on maternal and child health service utilization among internally displaced persons (IDPs). This study assessed antenatal care (ANC) utilization and associated factors among internally displaced reproductive-age women in North-Shewa camps, Amhara region. Methodology: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February–March 2023. Using simple random sampling, 512 women were included. Binary logistic and Poisson regression models identified factors associated with ANC utilization and the number of visits. adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and adjusted incidence rate ratio (AIRR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) estimated the strength of association. Results: Overall, 51% of women received at least one ANC service; only 5.2% had the recommended four or more visits. Factors significantly associated with ANC utilization included husbands with primary education or above (AOR: 2.6), pregnancy complications (AOR: 4.1), good knowledge of ANC (AOR: 5.67), wanted pregnancy (AOR: 8.1), and distance to health facilities (AOR: 4.45). Poisson regression showed empowered women (AIRR: 1.3), those with good knowledge (AIRR: 1.29), living in camps with health facilities (AIRR: 1.72), and wanted pregnancies (AIRR: 1.27) were associated with a higher frequency of visits. Conclusion: Nearly half of the women did not utilize ANC services, and a small fraction met the recommended four visits. Sociodemographic, obstetric, and health facility factors affect utilization. Availing health facilities in camps and enhancing education and awareness could help women utilize ANC services.