Knowledge of Postnatal Care Services among Women in Nyamagana District, Mwanza, Tanzania

Abstract

Nyamagana is one of the leading districts in the Mwanza Region, with a total of 165 health facilities. However, women in the district continue to face challenges in utilizing these health services. This study investigated the knowledge of postnatal care services among women in Nyamagana District, Mwanza, Tanzania. A qualitative approach was employed, involving in-depth interviews with 16 women who had given birth within the past twelve months, as well as two key informants (community health workers) from two different streets-Ngaza Street in Luchelele Ward and California Street in Nyegezi Ward. Participants were purposively selected, and the data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that women's understanding and interpretation of postnatal care services, including the timing of when to access them, largely depended on the place of delivery. In conclusion, postnatal care services are not determined solely by giving birth in a hospital, but rather by the meaning and understanding women have, as well as the guidance they receive during delivery. Postnatal care also varies from one hospital to another, with public hospitals particularly lagging behind in providing accurate information on the appropriate time to access these services compare to private hospitals. The study recommends the government should prioritize the strengthening of community awareness on the importance of timely and continuous postnatal care (PNC). This can be achieved through targeted health education campaigns, integration of community health workers (CHWs), culturally sensitive health messaging aimed at addressing misconceptions surrounding the timing and purpose of PNC. Additionally, the government should invest in training and deploying more skilled healthcare providers to deliver postnatal services, particularly in underserved and rural areas where access remains limited.