Assessing The Determinants of Postnatal Care Service Utilization in Saboba District, Northern Region, Ghana

Abstract

Postnatal care plays an important role in promoting the health of women and children. Despite the enormous benefits, the uptake of postnatal care in developing countries is reported to be low, with increased maternal and child deaths during pregnancy and within the postnatal period. Maternal and child deaths within the postnatal period account for two-thirds of nursing mothers, and two-thirds of babies die within the first to the seventh day of life in the postnatal period.
The study sought to assess the factors influencing utilization of postnatal services in Saboba District. From the study, the majority of the participants were between 20-29 years. Antenatal care utilization was found to be high (96.7%), and low second postnatal care services of 19.5% since over 60% of those who delivered in the health facilities would have received the first PNC service, which is given within the first 24 hours after delivery.
Nursing mothers’ postnatal service utilization in the district was reported to be low (19.5%). Factors that predisposed mothers to the uptake of postnatal care were: mother age at first delivery, place of residence, whether living in urban or rural areas, place of recent delivery, either TBA or health facility, and cultural practices like performing a child naming ceremony were strong predictors in determining women's utilization of postnatal care services.
MOH/GHS through the district health directorate should organize regular educational campaigns on PNC and other maternal and child services to educate expectant nursing mothers on postnatal care and as well as certain cultural practices that inhibit PNC practices among mothers.
Definition of Terms
Antenatal care- A Care given during pregnancy. Parity- The number of times a woman has given birth Postnatal care- This is care given to both mother and child immediately after childbirth for about six weeks.
Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA) - refers to a lay person in the community who provides healthcare services during pregnancy and childbirth.