Prevalence of Postnatal Care Utilization and Associated Factors among Women Who Gave Birth and Attending Immunization Clinic in Selected Government Health Centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2016

Abstract

Background:Postnatal period is defined as the first six weeks after birth and is critical to the health and survival of both a mother and newborn. Most maternal and infant deaths occur during this time. Yet, this is the most neglected period for the provision of quality care. More than half a million women die every year worldwide from complications in pregnancy and childbirth; most of these deaths are happening during the postnatal period. Despite the fact that Post Natal Care (PNC) service utilization would avert the death of mothers and their new born; the PNC service utilization is generally believed to be low in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study designed to identify the prevalence and associated factors of postnatal care service utilization.Objective: The main objective of the study was the prevalence and associated factors of postnatal care utilization in Addis Ababa 2016.Methods: An Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 20 to May 20, 2016 at ten randomly selected government health centers in Addis Ababa. A total of 422 Women who delivered a baby 10 weeks before the survey and who come for child immunization up to 14^th weeks of delivery were included in the study. Data was collected through face to face interview using a pre–tested Amharic questionnaire. Data was entered cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and logistic regression were calculated and interpreted accordingly.Result: A total of 422 participants were included in the analysis with a response rate of 98.3 %. The mean age of the participants was 26.7 %( +SD=4.4 years). The prevalence of this finding was 277(65.6%) having utilization of postnatal care service. PNC counseling and provision of appointment, counseling on danger sign, past experience of PNC utilization, and less than 6 hours stay at health institution before discharge were showed statistical significant association for the current PNC service Utilization [(AOR=32.6, 95% CI (14.7-72.3)], [ AOR (1.95, 95% CI (1.05-3.64)], [AOR=2.8, 95% CI (1.36-5.8)], [AOR= 0.22, 95% CI (0.06-0.83)] respectively.Conclusion and recommendations: The overall prevalence of PNC service utilization in this study was relatively good as compared to the HSDP IV report for Addis Ababa in the 2006Ethiopian feasibility year. To enhance PNC service utilization all women should be counseled about the danger signs of postnatal period and provided appointment. Further all delivering mothers should be stayed at least for 24 hours following delivery.

Keywords: postnatal care utilization, prevalence, Addis Ababa.