Level and Factors Associated With Utilization of Postnatal Care Services Among Mothers in Iganga General Hospital
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Date
2023
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Abstract
Introduction:
PNC is very critical for detection and management of complications in postpartum period for protecting maternal and child health unfortunately the PNC utilization is still low in Uganda. On average in Uganda postnatal care service utilization is lower at 54% and in Iganga hospital was estimated to be at 23% (AHSR, 2021).
Objective: The main objective of the study was to determine level and assess factors associated with utilization of postnatal care services among mothers within one week, at 2 weeks and 6 weeks in iganga general hospital in Iganga general hospital.
Method: Analytical cross-sectional study design was used to collect quantitative data on the level and factors associated with PNC services at Iganga hospital. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaires for Young Child Clinic (YCC) services. A total of 177 participants were interviewed on socio-demographic characteristics, PNC services utilization and its associated factors. SPSS version was used to analyze the data.
Results: Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with postnatal care utilization within one week, at 2 weeks and at 6 weeks at p value of < 0.05. The study revealed that the level of PNC utilization was at 28% which is lower than the national average of 54%. The identified associated factors with significance were; lack of information on PNC at p-value of 0.001, Husband support at p-value of 0.002, health workers not providing a full PNC package at p-value 0.002 and lack of privacy at p-value of 0.010.
Recommendations:
Health providers should always educate pregnant women on PNC utilization during ANC visits as it prepares mothers to utilize the service and this improves health outcomes for both mothers and babies. Always provide privacy and offer a full PNC package to mothers and their babies in the postnatal unit.
Iganga Hospital and other health stakeholders in Iganga district should sensitize male spouses on the importance of PNC and to fully support their female spouses.
I also recommend for further research on PNC utilization in other districts of Uganda for appropriate inference and attract the attention of policy makers.