Introduction: Since 2000, Ethiopia has achieved considerable success in reduction of maternal and child mortality, but progress and distribution across the country in SBA remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the trend, spatial distribution, and determinants of skilled birth attendant utilization in Ethiopia.
Methods: Data from time series community-based cross-sectional study design of Ethiopian Demography and Health Surveys (2005-2016 EDHS) were employed. Data was downloaded and extracted from DHS website (www.dhsprogram.com). Stata version 16.0 for statistical and Arc-GIS version 10.1 and Sat-Scan software’s were used for spatial analysis. Multilevel generalized linear model with binomial distribution was fitted to identify community and individual level factors associated with skilled birth attendant utilization. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval used to report the association.
Result: The trend of skilled birth attendant utilization has been increased from 5% in 2005 to 27% in 2016. Skilled birth was clustered with spatial variation across the country. The primary and secondary significant clusters of skilled birth attendants were located in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa. Skilled birth attendant’s utilization was determined by residence, women’s educational level, partner’s educational level, age at first birth, maternal age at interview, and antenatal care were significantly associated with SBA utilization.
Conclusion: The SBA utilization has shown a substantial increased and showed spatial variation in Ethiopia. We recommend strengthening maternal health programs with special emphasis for uneducated and women from rural parts of a country.