Abstract:
Background: The WHO strongly recommends companion of choice for all women during health facilities delivery and it is one of the key component of RMC to highly significant for enhancing institutional delivery. However, little is known about extent to what labor companionship is utilized and women‟s preferences not necessarily take into consideration in Ethiopia particular to this study area. Objective: To assess labor companionship utilization, its associated factors, and perception of post-partum women and health care providers on it in Gondar town public health facilities, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023 Methods: A mixed study design was conducted from December 1/2022 to January 30, 2023. We used simple random sampling techniques (lottery method) to select health facilities and systematic random sampling techniques to select study participants. Semi-structured, interviewed questionnaires were employed. Data were entered into kobo collect software and analyzed by Stata version 14. Variables with p value ≤ 0.2 in bi-variable logistic analysis were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model and p-value<0.05 were significant and reported with AOR and 95% CI. For qualitative data purposive sampling technique was used and face to face interview guide were employed. Data were transcribed, translated, and thematically analyzed by using open code software 4.03. Results: - the magnitude of labour companionship utilization was 11.3 %( 95% CI; 8.9%, 14.3%). Being urban residence (AOR=2.26, (95% CI: 1.08, 4.7)), Primiparaous (AOR=2.3, (95% CI: 1.16, 3.6)), having previous history of abortion (AOR=2.39, (95% CI: 1.15, 4.9)) and good knowledge of women about labour companionship (AOR= 2.26 (95% CI: 0.9, 5.8)) were statistically significant. The main themes that emerged as barriers to the practice of companionship during childbirth were include infrastructure, limited space, privacy, providers and community awareness. Conclusion: - The magnitude of labour companionship utilization is low. Facility related factors were the main barriers. Training of health care provider, awareness creation to community and creation of partitioning is needed to ensure conducive delivery rooms in ways that facilitate the presence of labor companionship
