Clients’ preference to place of delivery and types of attendants are important factors. Female patients prefer female professionals due to
various reasons. Findings show that Women are not using available and accessible maternity services. This is illustrated by low institutional delivery
compared to high antenatal care (ANC). Objective: To assess preference of place of delivery, delivery attendants and associated factors among women
at Shashemene town. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted with mixed approach on a total of 288 women who have child less than one year
of age during the survey. Multi stage sampling technique was used. Quantitative Data was entered into EPI info and analyzed using SPSS 16.0
software. Analysis was done using logistic regression. For 6FGDs and 2IDI Topic guides were reviewed manually and electronically, then responses
were transcribed and translated later coded into categories and grouped into theme thematically. Result: out of 288 women of reproductive age 95.8%
responded to the questionnaires. Only 34.9%, 22.6% and 42.5% of the women attended ANC during their first, second and third trimester respectively.
Regarding place of delivery only 37.7 % of women gave birth at home. In multivariate analysis the likelihood of attending and delivering at health facility
was high for women whose income 1021-1530/month [OR 4.2, 95%CI: (1.97, 9.32)], education greater or equal to secondary [OR 6.8, 95% CI: (2.9,
15.8)] and positive husband attitude toward health facility [OR 4.8, 95% CI: (1.3, 17.96)]. The chance of giving birth at home was high for those aged
between 15-19 years (OR 6.3, 95%CI: (2.7, 14.9). 30% of women explained as they feel comfortable being at home as the most frequent reason for not
delivering at health facility followed by to gain family care (29%) and lack of privacy (16.2%). Conclusions: Most women preferred female health
professionals, still there are women preferred home as place of deliver. Socio-demographic and cultural factors found to be barriers to preference of
services. Policies about maternity health care and education should take into account preferences of women. So, mitigation measure is in need to
ensure right and informed choice.