ISSN: 2639-2038
Authors: Moreda TB* and Gebisa K
Background: In Ethiopia, maternal health service utilization is very low, especially postnatal care (PNC). The percentage of mothers who receive care within two days of childbirth has shown little progress, from 2.4% in 2000 to 13% in 2014. However, it is very far below the expected level as compared to other sub-Saharan regions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess PNC services utilization. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and Practice on PNC utilization and associated risk factors among mothers attending ANC at Ambo and Awaro Health Centers. Methods: Facility based cross- sectional study was conducted from November 2017 to January 2018. A total of 323 study subjects were selected by simple random sampling technique from mothers of child bearing age (15- 49) who were attending Ambo and Awaro Health Centers for ANC and PNC follow up. Data were collected by using structured questionnaires through face to face interviews. The data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: Results of this study revealed that majority of mothers were sought ANC visit during their recent pregnancy and 82.4% of the respondents were delivered at health facilities. However, 63.5% of women did not receive PNC services. The most frequent reasons for not obtaining PNC services were due to lack of awareness, apparently healthy and shortage of money. The following factors were identified as having important predictors in the utilization of PNC services Husband’s occupation, number of ANC visit, and decision making power of the mother were statistically significant associations with the utilization of PNC service. Another important reason indicated by participants was lack of willingness and unfriendly approach by some health professionals in government health facilities hinder mothers from utilization of PNC services. Conclusion and Recommendation: Husband’s occupation, number of ANC visit, and decision making power of the mother were statistically significant factors with the utilization of PNC service. This study revealed that utilization of PNC in Ambo town is low compared to other previously conducted studies in Ethiopia. Therefore, to increase utilization of PNC coverage and reduce maternal and neonatal mortality mothers should obtain more adequate education, awareness to wards to importance of PNC services, ANC and delivery.
Keywords: PNC; ANC; Knowledge; Attitude and Practice; Mothers
