Abstract
Background A postnatal care given after childbirth is a critical care to promote health and to prevent complications of the mother and newborn. However, utilization of this service is low in Ethiopia, and little is known about its coverage and determinants. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of early postnatal-care service utilization and its associated factors among mothers in Hawassa Zuria district, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 February to 20 March 2020 in Hawassa Zuria District among randomly selected 320 mothers. Data were collected by using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires. Data entered were into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Descriptive, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression analysis with odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were conducted. A P value <0.05 was considered a statistically significant association. Finally, the results were presented by texts, tables, and figures. Result The prevalence of early postnatal-care service utilization was 29.7% (95% CI = 24.7, 35.5). Age below 25 years [AOR = 3.2 (95% CI = 1.37, 7.48)], having planned and supported pregnancy for last birth [AOR = 2.2 (95% CI = 1.13, 4.38)], having information about obstetric danger signs [AOR = 2.1 (95% CI = 1.25, 3.78)], and having positive attitude on use postnatal services [AOR = 3.5 (95% CI = 1.94, 6.32)] were factors associated with early postnatal-care utilization. Conclusion The finding revealed that early postnatal-care utilization in the study area was low. Strengthening family planning services, giving information on obstetrics danger signs, and creating awareness about postnatal care will improve uptake of the service in a timely manner.
Highlights
A postnatal care given after childbirth is a critical care to promote health and to prevent complications of the mother and newborn
Postnatal care (EPNC) is the care given to the mother and her newborn immediately after birth and up to the first seven days of life that marks the establishment of a new phase of family life for women and their partners and the beginning of the lifelong health record for newborn [1]
Almost half of the postnatal maternal deaths occur within the first 24 hours, 66% occur during the first week after delivery, and one Obstetrics and Gynecology International million newborns die on the first day of life. e main reasons for these preventable problems were poor quality of services, weak community-based heath practice, gender inequality, and poor women-centered maternity care [5, 6]
Summary
A postnatal care given after childbirth is a critical care to promote health and to prevent complications of the mother and newborn. E care of a woman and her baby in the immediate hours, days, and weeks following birth can make an enormous difference to their long-term health and wellbeing It leads to a dramatic fall in the maternal mortality rate and helps to establish and maintain contact with a number of health services needed in the short and long terms [3]. Even though it is the most neglected period for the provision of quality care services, the first week after delivery is a critical phase in the lives of a mother and her newborn. Almost half of the postnatal maternal deaths occur within the first 24 hours, 66% occur during the first week after delivery, and one Obstetrics and Gynecology International million newborns die on the first day of life. e main reasons for these preventable problems were poor quality of services, weak community-based heath practice, gender inequality, and poor women-centered maternity care [5, 6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
