This study assessed the levels and factors associated with women’s decision-making autonomy regarding maternal and neonatal healthcare service utilization in central Ethiopia. Although all women have the right to participate in decisions regarding their own and neonatal healthcare, more than one-quarter (28.5%) had no role. These findings highlight the need to strengthen health education to improve women’s knowledge on neonatal danger signs and maternal healthcare services, which is essential to empower women to participate in decisions about their healthcare. Lastly, encouraging husbands’ education and involvement in maternal and neonatal healthcare services will enhance women’s decision-making autonomy.
References
WHO., UNICEF, UNFPA, The World Bank Group and the United Nations Population Division, Trends in Maternal Mortality: 2000 to 2023 WHO, Geneva, 2025.
Ghose B, Feng D, Tang S, Yaya S, He Z, Udenigwe O, Ghosh S, Feng Z. Women’s decision-making autonomy and utilisation of maternal healthcare services: results from the Bangladesh demographic and health survey. BMJ Open. 2017;7(9):e017142.
Kebede AA, Cherkos EA, Taye EB. Mother’s knowledge of neonatal danger signs and health-seeking practices and associated factors in Debretabor, Northwest ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study. Res Rep Neonatology, 2020: pp. 47–58.
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