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Assessing the Practice and Factors Influencing the Perceived Safety of Coitus During Pregnancy Among Women Receiving Antenatal Care in Public Health Facilities in Southwest Ethiopia: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Background and Aims Sexual intercourse during pregnancy is generally safe in healthy pregnancies, yet cultural taboos and educational gaps in low‐ and middle‐income countries such as Ethiopia may influence practices, potentially affecting maternal and fetal health. This study aimed to assess the practice of coitus during pregnancy and the factors influencing its perceived safety among women receiving antenatal care (ANC) in Southwest Ethiopia. Methods A facility‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted in the Illubabor and Buno Bedele zones of the Oromia Region, Ethiopia, from April 1 to December 30, 2024. Two hospitals and 7 health centers, involving 423 pregnant women receiving ANC, were selected via a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through face‐to‐face semistructured questionnaires. Data were entered into Epidata and exported into SPSS version 26 software for analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regressions were performed. Variables with a p < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant. Finally, the findings were presented in narratives, tables, and figures. Results Of the 423 participants, 205 (48.5%) practiced coitus during pregnancy, whereas 218 (51.5%) abstained. The practice of coitus was higher in the third trimester (55%) than in the first trimester (38%). The factors associated with coitus practice were occupation (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.4, 5.3), proximity to health facilities (< 1 h, AOR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.9), preconception care (AOR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.2, 8.4), and good knowledge of coitus safety (AOR = 8.7; 95% CI: 1.6, 12.6). Conclusion The practice of coitus during pregnancy among women receiving ANC in Southwest Ethiopia is significantly influenced by associated factors, including occupation, proximity to health facilities, receipt of preconception care, and knowledge of coitus safety. ANC education should be targeted to enhance the understanding of perceived safety, community outreach to improve preconception care uptake, and efforts to increase facility accessibility, with the aim of improving the perceived safety of coitus during pregnancy.

Source: Health Science Reports

DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.71824

Authors: Endale Tamiru Burayu, Getu Amsalu Erqu

Institution: Mattu University

Language: English

Topic: Global Maternal and Child Health

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,280