Utilization of Integrated Community Case Management Service and Associated Factors Among Mothers/Caregivers Who Have Sick Eligible Children in Southern Ethiopia

Background: Proper utilization of integrated community case management service has a significant contribution in reducing the under-five children mortality. However, the utilization of integrated community case management service is low especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was planned to assess the utilization of integrated community case management service and associated factors among mother/caregivers who have sick children aged 2-59 months in Boloso Sore Woreda, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study design was done from January 15-February 15, 2018. Face to face interview was conducted using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were carried out to assess the association between independent and outcome variables. Odds ratio along with 95% confidence interval and p-value <0.05 were estimated to measure the strength of the association and statistical significance. Results: The magnitude of the utilization of integrated community case management service was 25.3%. Mothers/caregiver's education of secondary and above (AOR=4.15, 95% CI: 1.94-8.90), mothers/caregivers having good knowledge about childhood illness (AOR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.08-3.69), the previous visit of mothers/caregivers to health post (AOR=2.92, 95% CI: 1.01-8.54), short distance to health post (AOR=2.42, 95% CI: 1.02-5.76), the child with cough (AOR=2.52, 95% CI: 1.13-5.63) and mother's/caregiver's perception of high severity of illness (AOR=2.51, 95% CI: 1.19-5.27) were significantly associated with utilization of integrated community case management service. Conclusion: The magnitude of the utilization of integrated community case management was low in the study area. Mother/caregiver's education of secondary and above, having good knowledge of childhood illness, history of mother's/caretaker's visit to the health post, short distance to the health post, and perceived high severity of disease and presence of cough were factors significantly determining service utilization. Therefore, health education should be provided to mothers by Health Extension Workers, community leaders, and organizations.