Factors influencing utilization of post-natal care in Uganda

Abstract

Post-natal care is the skilled care provided to mothers and their newborns after child delivery. It is given during the post-natal and postpartum period which starts in the first hour of birth up to 42 days after delivery and is essential for the survival and health of the mother. The main objective of this study was to assess the underlying determinants of post-natal care utilization in Uganda. The study used secondary data to establish the factors influencing the utilization of postnatal care in Uganda. Data were obtained from the 2016 Uganda Demographic Health Survey (UDHS) which was collected from May 2016 through December 2016. This study considered women who had a postnatal check from a skilled health provider in 42days after delivery. Utilization of postnatal care was high among women who gave birth from private health facilities compared to public and home deliveries. Women who attended more than four antenatal care visits were more likely to utilize postnatal care because of the health education given to them at each antenatal care visit. The number of antenatal care visits, wealth index, marital status, media access, highest education level, residence, religion, place of delivery and region were found to be significantly associated with utilization of postnatal care. Community-based Outreaches should be put in place to provide postnatal services to increase utilization.