Journal of Women's Health Care
Open Access

Abstract

Early Postnatal Care Service Utilization and Associated Factors among Mothers Who Gave Birth in the Last 12 Months in Aseko District, Arsi Zone, South East Ethiopia in 2016

Teklehaymanot AN, Niguse D and Tesfay A

Background: Even though early postnatal care visit is one of the strategies to reduce maternal and new-born morbidity and mortality, it is the weakest of all reproductive and child health interventions in Africa and receives much less attention from healthcare providers than pregnancy and childbirth.

Objective: To assess early postnatal care service utilization and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in the last 12 months in Aseko district, Arsi zone, South East Ethiopia, 2016.

Method: Community based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 10th-May 20th 2016 in Aseko district, Ethiopia. A total of 382 mothers who gave birth in the last 12 months were identified using random number generated by computer from six kebeles selected by simple random sampling techniques were included in the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire through face to face interview and entered to Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPPS version 20. Descriptive statistics, principal factor analysis (PCA), bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used for the analysis and a P-value<0.05 was declared a statistically significant in this study. Finally, the result was presented using texts, tables and figures.

Results: The level of early postnatal care service utilization was 23.7%. The reasons for not to use early PNC services were: Having no information on the importance of early PNC services 140 (48.5%) followed by lack/no transportation access 76 (26.3%). In multivariable logistic regression analysis; experience of early postnatal care utilization for previous child (AOR=4.211; 95% CI: 1.548, 11.458), Institutional delivery (AOR=2.778; 95% CI: 1.386, 5.568), Women decision making power (AOR=4.103; 95% CI: 2.087, 8.067), Information/advise about early postnatal care services from health profession (AOR=5.049; 95% CI: 2.074, 12.289), Distance/time took to arrive health facility on foot (AOR=0.458; 95% CI: 0.231, 0.908) and Access to transportation (AOR=2.655; 95% CI: 1.322, 5.330) were found to be predictors of early PNC service utilization.

Conclusion and Recommendations: Less than quarters (23.7%) of the respondents were utilizing early postnatal care services in the district. Experience of early PNC utilization, place of delivery, decision making power, information/advice from health profession, distance of health facility and access to transport were statistically significant for early postnatal care utilization. Strengthening health facilities to enhance service provision and information education and communication, decision making power of the women, improving transportation service and encouraging institutional delivery are necessary measures to enhance early PNC service utilization in the district.