Abstract
Maternal mortality remains very high in developing countries. In Guinea, it is 550 maternal deaths in 100.000 living birth. More than half of these deaths occur in the postpartum period. Hence the interests to have a better understanding of the factors that hinder the realization of post-natal care (PNC) arise. It is for this reason that the objective of this study is to identify barriers to the use of post-natal care in Guinea. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in the prefectures of Kindia and Dubreka, in the Administrative Region of Kindia (Guinea) in April and May 2014. Fourteen focus group discussions of women and girls of the community, as well as fifteen individual in-depth interviews (9 with women and 6 with healthcare providers). Results: Most women do their PNC during their child vaccination or in case of postpartum complications. Financial constraints are the main barrier to using postnatal care identified by participants. In general, distance from the health center associated with lack of transport mean and insufficient staffs are factors related to the health system. In addition, poor reception of clients, women’s experience during childbirth, poor programming for PNC as well as the lack of trust and confidentiality between clients and health care providers are the barriers related to health providers. The participants also mentioned the lack of sensitization and information as well as cultural constraints as barriers to using post-natal care. Conclusion: The removal of these barriers in the use of PNC will significantly reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in Guinea.
Highlights
High maternal mortality during pregnancy, childbirth and post-partum are heavy load in low-income countries
It is for this reason that the objective of this study is to identify barriers to the use of post-natal care in Guinea
Our research reveals that postnatal care (PNC) is a major public health issue and there are many barriers to the use of these services
Summary
High maternal mortality during pregnancy, childbirth and post-partum are heavy load in low-income countries. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest maternal mortality rate in any region of the world (546 per 100,000 live births) [1]. More than 60% of maternal deaths in the world occur during the postpartum period—defined by the World Health Organization as the period starting one hour after placenta delivery and carry on until 6 weeks (42 days) after childbirth [3]. Despite the postpartum consultation being one of the recommended strategies to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in the postpartum period, few women and newborns receive this service. In Ethiopia, only 17% of women receive at least one postnatal care service from a health facility within the first 48 hours after childbirth, against 43% in Malawi [4] [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
