Abstract
BACKGROUND: The third delay involves any delay in seeking or receiving appropriate emergency obstetric care after presenting at a health facility. It is the most contributing factor for maternal death in developing countries. Limited attention has been paid to maternal third delay and determinant factors at public hospitals, East Gojjam zone, Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the Prevalence of maternal third delay during emergency obstetric care and Determinant factors among women who gave birth in government hospitals in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. METHOD: An institution-based cross-sectional study was implemented among 525 women (using systematic sampling) from September 01 - December 30, 2023. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire presented by an interviewer and extracted from observational checklists. The collected data were coded and entered using EpiData version 3.1, and the Chi-squared test of association and multilevel logistic regression were done using STATA version 14 statistical software. p value < 0.05 was declared statistically significant. RESULTS: This study indicates that 32.2% [95% CI: 28.3-35.9%] of women were third delayed. Additionally, time of admission AOR = 0.46 [95% CI: 0.23-0.98], ANC follow-up AOR = 1.98 [95% CI:1.32-3.93], absence of health professionals AOR = 2.85 [95% CI: 1.98-4.35], types of pregnancy (Wanted but unplanned) AOR = 1.49 [95% CI: 1.31-3.54), Unwanted and unplanned AOR = 2.98 [95%CI:2.51-4.69], and lack of medical supply/medication AOR = 1.56 [95%CI: 1.34-3.67] were found to be significant determinant factors of maternal third delay. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of the third delay was significantly high. Driven by factors like delayed admission, inadequate ANC, and resource shortages. Strengthen maternal healthcare, improve timely access, and address resource and planning gaps for better outcomes. These interventions are crucial to reduce maternal third delays.