Postnatal Care Coverage Research Articles

Trend and Determinants of Early Postnatal Care in Nepal with a Focus on Women’s Autonomy

Nepal has made significant strides in improving maternal and child health, notably reducing mortality rates over recent decades. However, challenges persist in meeting the maternal and newborn health targets outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals. Postnatal care is essential for the survival and well-being of both mothers and newborns, yet there is limited research on this topic in Nepal. This study aims to assess trends in early postnatal care coverage and analyze the factors influencing service uptake focusing on women’s autonomy. Using data from the Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys for 2011, 2016, and 2022, which included 10,991 mothers aged 15-49 with at least one live birth, the study revealed significant improvements in postnatal care coverage. The percentage of mothers receiving care within 48 hours increased from 43% in 2011 to 56% in 2016, reaching 72% in 2022. Despite this progress, 28% of mothers and newborns still lack timely postnatal care, which is crucial for their survival and well-being. Regression analysis indicated that women with greater decision-making autonomy are significantly more likely to receive postnatal care (adjusted OR 1.216, P < 0.01), even when accounting for socio-demographic factors. The study highlighted disparities in postnatal care coverage based on age, caste/ethnicity, education, occupation, province, urbanrural residence, wealth, and family size. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to empower women and tailor maternal health programs to address the specific needs. Future research should focus on evaluating complete postnatal care coverage, assessing care quality, and exploring interventions to strengthen maternal health care.

Sociodemographic disparities in postnatal care coverage at comprehensive health centers in Hamedan City.

Postnatal care (PNC) is a crucial component of continuous healthcare and can be influenced by sociodemographic factors. This study aimed to examine the sociodemographic disparities in PNC coverage in Hamedan City. In this cross-sectional study, we utilized existing data recorded in the Health Integrated System of Hamedan City, located in Iran, from 2020 to 2021. The study population consisted of 853 women who were over 15 years old and had given birth within the past 42 days. The Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) software was used to evaluate the socioeconomic inequalities in PNC coverage. Overall, 531 (62.3%) of the women received three postnatal visits. The absolute concentration index (ACI) indicates that women aged 20-35 years, illiterate women, housewives, insured individuals, and urban residents experience a higher magnitude of inequality in PNC coverage. The negative values of the ACI suggest that the health index is concentrated among disadvantaged groups, with educational level inequalities being more pronounced than those related to age. Postnatal care coverage among mothers was relatively adequate; however, sociodemographic inequalities existed in the utilization of PNC services. It is recommended that policymakers make efforts to increase access to PNC services for mothers from low socio-economic groups.

Assessing the Quality and Coverage of Maternal Postnatal Care in Bangladesh: A Comparative Analysis of Quality Postnatal Care among Home and Facility Births.

Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in reducing maternal mortality, yet postpartum deaths remain a significant issue. Emphasis on quality postnatal care (qPNC) is crucial, as increased coverage alone has not sufficiently reduced maternal morbidity and mortality. This study included data from the Bangladesh Maternal Mortality Survey of 32,106 mothers who delivered within three years prior to the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to report coverage and components of postnatal care stratified by covariates. Log-linear regression models were used to assess the determinants of quality postnatal care among facility and home births. From 2010 to 2016, postnatal care coverage within 48 h of delivery by a qualified provider rose from 23% to 47%. Of the births, 94% were facility births that received timely PNC, contrasted with only 6% for home births. Despite the increased coverage, quality of care remained as low as 1% for home births and 13% for facility births. Key factors affecting qPNC utilization included socio-demographic factors, pregnancy complications, type of birth attendant, delivery method, and financial readiness. Importantly, deliveries assisted by skilled birth attendants correlated with higher quality postnatal care. This study reveals a significant gap between the coverage and quality of postnatal care in rural Bangladesh, especially for home births. It underscores the need for targeted interventions to enhance qPNC.

Coverage and determinants of infant postnatal care in Nigeria: A population-based cross-sectional study.

In 2019, Nigeria had the largest number of under-5 child deaths globally and many of these deaths occurred within the first week of life. The World Health Organization recommends infant postnatal care (PNC) attendance to support newborn survival; however, utilization of PNC is known to be low in many contexts. This study examined coverage and individual-level determinants of infant PNC attendance in Nigeria. Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) 2018 data were used to evaluate infant PNC coverage and determinants. Infant PNC was defined as receipt of care within 2 days of birth. Children delivered up to 2 years before the 2018 NDHS were included. We examined predictors of infant PNC with modified Poisson regression models to estimate relative risks (RRs). The national coverage of infant PNC was 37.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 35.8%-38.7%). Significant heterogeneity in PNC attendance existed at state and regional levels. Facility delivery was strongly associated with the uptake of PNC (RR: 6.07; 95% CI: 5.60-6.58). Greater maternal education, maternal employment, urban residence, female head of household, and greater wealth were also associated with an increased likelihood of PNC visits. The uptake of infant PNC is low and interventions are urgently needed to promote equity in access and increase demand for PNC in Nigeria.

Association between natural hazards and postnatal care among the neonates in India: a step towards full coverage using geospatial approach

BackgroundPostnatal care is crucial to prevent the child mortality. Despite the improvement in the PNC coverage for the neonates, it is still far away from the universal health coverage. Along with, some specific regions mostly are natural hazard prone areas of India show very under coverage of PNC for the neonates. Considering the substantial spatial variation of PNC coverage and natural hazard prevalence, present study aimed to examine spatial variation of PNC coverage and its association with natural hazard at the district level.MethodsThe cross-sectional exploratory study utilized National Family Health Survey, 2019-21, which included 1,76,843 children using multistage stratified sampling method to examine postnatal care within 42 days for neonates born within five years prior to the survey. Additionally, the study utilized Vulnerability Atlas of India,2019 maps to categorize regions into hazardous (flood, earthquake, and landslide) and non-hazardous areas. Spatial univariate and bivariate analyses, logistic and geographically weighted regressions were conducted using ArcGIS Pro, GeoDa, and Stata 16.0 software to identify associations between PNC coverage, hazard exposure, and spatial variation.ResultsThe univariate spatial analysis showed some specific regions such as north, east, and north-east region of India had a high concentration of natural hazard and low access of PNC coverage. Bivariate analysis also showed that PNC coverage was low in flood (75.9%), earthquake (68.3%), and landslide (80.6%) effected areas. Compared to the national PNC coverage (81.1%), all these natural hazards effected areas showed low coverage. Further, logic regression showed that these hazard prone areas were less (OR:0.85 for flood, 0.77 for earthquake, and 0.77 for landslide) likely to get PNC coverage than their counterparts. LISA cluster maps significantly showed low PNC and high disaster concentration in these disaster-prone areas. Geographic weighted regression results also showed similar result.ConclusionsThe present study elucidates notable heterogeneity in the coverage of postnatal care (PNC) services, with lower concentrations observed in disaster-prone areas. In order to enhance the accessibility and quality of PNC services in these areas, targeted interventions such as the deployment of mobile health services and fortification of health systems are recommended.

A multi-site, non-randomized study of the feasibility and acceptability of a family-led postnatal care model in the Ada District, Ethiopia

Background: Postnatal care is a critical intervention to reduce newborn and maternal mortality in high-mortality settings. However, it is underutilized in many countries. Family-led postnatal care (FPNC) is an innovative postnatal care service delivery model that leverages self-care principles to address key barriers identified in the Ethiopian context, including women’s preference to stay home in the first week after delivery and receive support from trusted family members. Utilizing an improved discharge process, coupled with user-friendly monitoring devices made available as a home care kit kept with preferred community custodians, this self-care model for postnatal care will be evaluated as a potential solution to very low coverage of postnatal care in the first week of life. Methods: The study will use mixed sequential methods: quantitative pre-intervention and post-intervention survey and phenomenological qualitative study. Four health centers in Ada Districtof Oromia, Ethiopia will be purposively selected. A pre-intervention survey will measure coverage and content of postnatal checks and care-seeking behavior. Health centers will then implement family led postnatal care. Once FPNC is initiated, post-intervention quantitative data will be collected. Approximately 218 postnatal women are to be included in the quantitative survey. Qualitative interviews with approximately 20 mothers, 20 partners, 20 families, eight health managers, 12 postnatal discharge counselors, 20 health extension workers, and eight home care kit custodians will be conducted. A quantitative measurement of sustainability six months after the endline will also be assessed. Conclusions: Optimally, the study will contribute evidence to inform decision makers locally and globally on whether FPNC is a feasible and acceptable service delivery model for postnatal care, and whether it improves women’s empowerment and/or increases men’s support and connection to women and newborns in the early postnatal period.

Impact of community health interventions on maternal and child health indicators in the upper east region of Ghana

BackgroundThis paper reports on results of a health system strengthening implementation research initiative conducted the Upper East Region of northern Ghana. Transformative interventions to accelerate and strengthen the health delivery were implemented that included empowering community leaders and members to actively participate in health delivery, strengthening the referral systems through the provision of community transport systems, providing basic medical equipment to community clinics, and improving the skills of critical health staff through training.MethodsA mixed method design was used to evaluate the impact of the interventions. A quantitative evaluation employed a flexible research design to test the effects of various component activities of the project. To assess impact, a pre-versus–post randomized cluster survey design was used. Qualitative research was conducted with focus group data and individual in depth interviews to gauge the views of various stakeholders associated with the implementation process.ResultsAfter intervention, significant improvements in key maternal and child health indicators such as antenatal and postnatal care coverage were observed and increases in the proportion of deliveries occurring in health facilities and assisted by skilled health personnel relative to pre-intervention conditions. There was also increased uptake of oral rehydration salts (ORS) for treatment of childhood diarrhoea, as well as marked reductions in the incidence of upper respiratory infections (URI).ConclusionsA pre-and post-evaluation of impact suggests that the programme had a strong positive impact on the functioning of primary health care. Findings are consistent with the proposition that the coverage and content of the Ghana Community-based Health Planning and Services programme was improved by program interventions and induced discernable changes in key indicators of health system performance.

How different incentives influence reported motivation and perceptions of performance in Ghanaian community-based health planning and services zones

Background:Maternal mortality is still a burden worldwide, and Ghana’s maternal and child mortalities are still high. Incentive schemes have been effective in improving health workers’ performance thereby reducing maternal and child deaths. The efficiency of public health services in most developing countries has been linked to the provision of incentives. Thus, financial packages for Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) serve as enablers for them to be focused and committed to their work. However, the poor performance of CHVs is still a challenge in health service delivery in many developing countries. Although the reasons for these persistent problems are understood, we need to find out how to implement what works in the face of political will and financial constraints. This study assesses how different incentives influence reported motivation and perceptions of performance in Community-based Health Planning and Services Program (CHPS) zones in the Upper East region.Methods:A quasi-experimental study design with post-intervention measurement was used. Performance-based interventions were implemented for 1 year in the Upper East region. The different interventions were rolled out in 55 of 120 CHPS zones. The 55 CHPS zones were randomly assigned to four groups: three groups of 14 CHPS zones with the last group containing 13 CHPS zones. Several alternative types of financial and non-financial incentives as well as their sustainability were explored. The financial incentive was a small monthly performance-based Stipend. The non-financial incentives were: Community recognition; paying for National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) premiums and fees for CHV, one spouse, and up to two children below 18 years, and; quarterly performance-based Awards for best-performing CHVs. The four groups represent the four different incentive schemes. We conducted 31 In-depth interviews (IDIs) and 31 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with health professionals and community members.Results:Community members and the CHVs wanted the stipend as the first incentive but requested that it be increased from the current level. The Community Health Officers (CHOs) prioritized the Awards over the Stipend because they felt it was too small to generate the required motivation in the CHVs. The second incentive was the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration. Community recognition was also considered by health professionals as effective in motiving CHVs and work support inputs and CHVs training helped in improving output. The various incentives have helped increase health education and facilitated the work of the volunteers leading to increased outputs: Household visits and Antenatal Care and Postnatal Care coverage improved. The incentives have also influenced the initiative of volunteers. Work support inputs were also regarded as motivators by CHVs, but the challenges with the incentives included the size of the stipend and delays in disbursement.Conclusion:Incentives are effective in motivating CHVs to improve their performance, thereby improving access to and use of health services by community members. The Stipend, NHIS, Community recognition and Awards, and the work support inputs all appeared to be effective in improving CHVs’ performance and outcomes. Therefore, if health professionals implement these financial and non-financial incentives, it could bring a positive impact on health service delivery and use. Also, building the capacities of CHVs and providing them with the necessary inputs could improve output.

Sociodemographic and Maternal Determinants of Postnatal Care Utilization: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Postnatal care (PNC) is critical for the newborn and the mother, as it offers the opportunity to examine the mother and child to ensure early and timely intervention of any obstetric anomalies that might have gone unnoticed during delivery. However, there is a lack of data on PNC utilization and associated determinants in Ghana. Meanwhile, it is suspected that the PNC service should be more patronized by mothers, particularly within the first 2 days after delivery; therefore, investigating PNC utilization and associated factors could inform policies to enhance PNC uptake. The objective is to determine the level of utilization of PNC service and associated factors in the Savannah region of Ghana. The study used a facility-based analytical cross-sectional study design. The study was carried out in 311 postnatal mothers using consecutive sampling. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire. Univariate and multiple logistic regression was performed to establish the determinants of PNC. Variables/variable categories with P < .05 were significantly associated with PNC. The significance level is anchored at P < .05. The study showed that almost all respondents (98.7%) have heard about PNC services through health workers (39.7%), media (13.0%), and friends and relatives (47.2%). Most of the respondents (88.7%) have used PNC services within 48 h. Mothers aged 25-39 years were about seven times more likely to utilize PNC compared to those who were less than 25 years old (AOR [adjusted odds ratio] = 7.41, 95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.98-7.71); mothers with high school education (SHS) and above were also approximately four times more likely to use PNC compared to those who had no formal education (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI 1.97-13.66). In the same vein, married mothers were 10 times more likely to use PNC compared to those who are single mothers (AOR = 10.34, 95% CI: 3.69-28.97), whereas mothers who had at least four antenatal care (ANC) visits during pregnancy were approximately seven times more likely to use PNC compared to those who had less than four ANC visits (AOR = 6.92, 95% CI: 1.46-32.78). Reasons for not attending PNC include waiting time (40.5%), health workers' attitude (32.4%), being attended by a student (16.2%), being busy (27.0%), inadequate information on PNC (24.3%), and no family support (18.9%). All mothers knew about the PNC services, with a higher proportion patronizing the services. The increasing age, the level of mothers, marital status, and participation in ANC were significant determinants of the use of PNC. More education during ANC on the importance of PNC service is required to achieve universal coverage of PNC.

On the road to universal coverage of postnatal care: considerations for a targeted postnatal care approach for at-risk mother–baby dyads in low-income and middle-income countries informed by a consultation with global experts

IntroductionThe potential of timely, quality postnatal care (PNC) to reduce maternal and newborn mortality and to advance progress toward universal health coverage (UHC) is well-documented. Yet, in many low-income and...

Determinants of Postnatal Care and Timing of the First Postnatal Care for Newborns in Ethiopia: Further Analysis of 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey.

BackgroundNeonatal mortality remains a persisting public health challenge in Ethiopia. Most of the factors that lead to neonatal deaths could be prevented through postnatal checkups. However, in Ethiopia, the provision of postnatal care (PNC) continues to be low. This study aims to assess the socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with PNC visits and the timing of PNC among newborns in Ethiopia.MethodsUsing the Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey (EMDHS) 2019, a total weighted sample of 2,105 women aged 15–49 giving birth in the 2 years preceding the survey were included in the study. The generalized linear mixed models were separately fitted to identify factors associated with any PNC for newborns delivered at home and health facilities. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the timing of PNC with their associated factors.ResultsOverall, only 13% (95% CI: 11.2, 14.0) of the newborns received PNC in Ethiopia. Among newborns delivered at home, utilization of any PNC was determined by region, maternal educational status, and birth order. On the other hand, among newborns delivered in a health facility, region, number of antenatal care (ANC) visits, and religion were determinants of any PNC. Furthermore, utilization of the first PNC within 48 h after the delivery was determined by region and religion. On the other hand, utilization of the first PNC after 48 h after the delivery was determined by region number of ANC visits, maternal educational status, and religion.ConclusionThe finding of the current study revealed low coverage of PNC among newborns regardless of the place of delivery in Ethiopia. The study makes the following recommendation: increase community health education on PNC, encourage delivery at health facilities, and link community home birth with PNC. It will be more valuable if there is sharing good practice.

Inequalities in women\u2019s utilization of postnatal care services in Bangladesh from 2004 to 2017

Postnatal care (PNC) is an essential component of maternity care. Appropriate and timely care immediately after childbirth can save lives and help to prevent or treat comorbidities resulting from pregnancy and childbirth. Despite its importance, PNC coverage is still low in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to analyse the trends, inequalities, and factors associated with PNC for mothers in Bangladesh. Data from the last five Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (BDHS) were used. Descriptive statistics were used to report PNC outcome rates and trends across six inequality indicators. Modified Poisson regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with PNC use in the most recent BDHS. A total of 21,240 women were included for the analysis. The rate of PNC by ‘medically trained provider’ within 2 days of birth increased between 2004 and 2017, from 16 to 52%. There were wide inequalities across socio-demographic factors. The regression analyses found women giving birth at home, women from the poorest wealth quintile and women receiving no antenatal care (ANC) were least likely to receive PNC. The findings emphasize the need to improve public health programs supporting women who have the least access to PNC. The identified inequalities can inform policy formulation to ensure more equitable provision of PNC to women in Bangladesh.

Utilization of Postnatal Care Service in Indonesia and its Association with Women's Empowerment: An Analysis of 2017 Indonesian Demographic Health Survey Data.

ObjectiveThe coverage of postnatal care (PNC) is among the lowest globally when compared with other maternal and child interventions. This study aims to assess PNC utilisation in Indonesia and its association with women’s empowerment indicators to provide evidence for the need for policy change.MethodsData from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic Health Surveys was analyzed for any use of PNC, early first PNC (within 2 days of birth) and PNC after discharge for newborns. Women’s empowerment factors were calculated using a principal component analysis of 17 indicators. The association between women’s empowerment factors and PNC was assessed using logistic regression adjusted for covariates and complex survey design.ResultsThe prevalence of any PNC by skilled professionals in Indonesia was high but PNC after discharge was very low. Labor-force participation and women’s knowledge level were associated with any PNC, but the association between women’s knowledge level and any PNC was modified by place of birth. Disagreement towards justification of wife beating and women’s knowledge level were associated with early PNC but the association was modified by place of birth. Decision-making power was also associated with early PNC but modified by infant’s gender. Disagreement towards justification of wife beating was negatively associated with PNC after discharge, but the association between decision-making power and PNC after discharge was modified by the infant’s size at birth.Conclusions for PracticePNC coverage after discharge in Indonesia needs improvement. Women’s empowerment indicators need to be addressed in improving PNC coverage.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10995-021-03324-y.

Antenatal Care (ANC) Coverage, Health Infrastructure, and Postnatal Care (PNC) Services Utilization: A District Level Analysis of Punjab-Pakistan

Awareness of receiving postnatal care is uncommon in Punjab (Pakistan) and supply-side is also unfortunate. Sufficient uptake of PNC may helpful in reducing maternal mortality. Thus, this study explored the demand and supply-side determinants of maternal health (utilization of PNC) care for 35 districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Percentage of women of reproductive ages using PNC services in the 35 districts of Punjab was the outcome variable. While, ANC utilization, adult literacy rate, household wealth, physical infrastructure had been considered as the explanatory variables. Secondary data were obtained from Punjab Development Statistics reports from the years 2010 to 2016. Pooled ordinary least square (OLS) and Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) were applied as estimation techniques. It was found that the percentage of women of reproductive ages using ANC services (0.662, p &lt; 0.01), the percentage of households receiving remittances from abroad (0.570, p &lt; 0.01), the percentage of households having access to improved sanitation facilities (0.569, p &lt; 0.01), the percentage of households having their own houses (0.530, p &lt; 0.05), and district-based health infrastructure index (0.237, p &lt; 0.05) had strong positive and significant impact on PNC utilization. The study concluded that district-based targets relating to PNC coverage could be achieved by intervening through ANC utilization behavior, household wealth (remittances receipts), and through the provision of infrastructure (healthcare, sanitation) to the residents of the district. Need to ensure the availability and accessibility of PNC in order to reduce the health disparities among the districts of Punjab.

Coverage of antenatal, intrapartum, and newborn care in 104 districts of Ethiopia: A before and after study four years after the launch of the national Community-Based Newborn Care programme.

Access to health services across the continuum of care improves maternal and newborn health outcomes. Ethiopia launched the Community-Based Newborn Care programme in 2013 to increase the coverage of antenatal care, institutional delivery, postnatal care and newborn care. The programme also introduced gentamicin and amoxicillin treatment by health extension workers for young infants with possible serious bacterial infection when referral was not possible. This study aimed to assess the extent to which the coverage of health services for mothers and their young infants increased after the initiation of the programme. A baseline survey was conducted in October-December 2013 and a follow-up survey four years later in November-December 2017. At baseline, 10,224 households and 1,016 women who had a live birth in the 3-15 months prior to the survey were included. In the follow-up survey, 10,270 households and 1,057 women with a recent live birth were included. Women were asked about their experience of care during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum periods, as well as the treatment provided for their child's illness in the first 59 days of life. Between baseline and follow-up surveys the proportion of women reporting at least one antenatal care visit increased by 15 percentage points (95% CI: 10,19), four or more antenatal care visits increased by 17 percentage points (95%CI: 13,22), and institutional delivery increased by 40 percentage points (95% CI: 35,44). In contrast, the proportion of newborns with a postnatal care visit within 48 hours of birth decreased by 6 percentage points (95% CI: -10, -3) for home deliveries and by 14 percentage points (95% CI: -21, -7) for facility deliveries. The proportion of mothers reporting that their young infant with possible serious bacterial infection received amoxicillin for seven days increased by 50 percentage points (95% CI: 37,62) and gentamicin for seven days increased by 15 percentage points (95% CI: 5,25). Concurrent use of both antibiotics increased by 12 percentage points (95% CI: 4,19). The Community-Based Newborn Care programme was an ambitious initiative to enhance the access to services for pregnant women and newborns. Major improvements were seen for the number of antenatal care visits and institutional delivery, while postnatal care remained alarmingly low. Antibiotic treatment for young infants with possible serious bacterial infection increased, although most treatment did not follow national guidelines. Improving postnatal care coverage and using a simplified antibiotic regimen following recent World Health Organization guidelines could address gaps in the care provided for sick young infants.

Determinants of postnatal care coverage among mothers and new-borns in India: Evidence from a nationally representative survey.

Despite efforts taken by the Government of India, still mothers and new-borns are excluded from the postnatal care services, especially during the critical first 24 h after delivery. Hence, we have done this study to find the determinants of postnatal care for mothers and new-borns in India. We have analysed the NFHS-4 data gathered from Demographic Health Survey programme. Stratification and clustering in the sample design was accounted using svyset command. Point estimates were reported as proportions with 95% Confidence Interval (CI). In total, 190,797 women who had at least one live birth were included. About 25.2% and 27.1% of the new-born received post-natal care within 24 and 48 h of delivery. The proportion of women who received post-natal care within 24 and 48 h after delivery was 63.4% and 65.2% respectively. Higher socioeconomic status, women living in Southern region, utilization of proper antenatal and intranatal care, and Caesarian mode of delivery had significantly higher postnatal care coverage among mothers and new-borns. This finding informs the policy makers regarding the status of postnatal care coverage, that can be incorporated to identify target populations for further strengthening of service delivery.

Postnatal care coverage and its determinants in Sri Lanka: analysis of the 2016 demographic and health survey

BackgroundPostnatal care (PNC) is important for preventing morbidity and mortality in mothers and newborns. Even though its importance is highlighted, PNC received less attention than antenatal care. This study determines the level of PNC coverage and its determinants in Srilanka.MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey. Receiving full postnatal care (FPNC) was defined with a set of indicators to detect adequate care for mother and newborn. Demographic and socio-economic associated factors for receiving FPNC were identified using binary and multiple logistic regression. Variables that had marginal relationship with receiving FPNC which p-value less than or equal to 0.2 at binary analysis were selected and included in the multiple logistic regression models. We used manual backward stepwise regression to identify variables which had independent association with receiving FPNC on the basis of adjusted odds ratios (AOR), with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value less than 0.05. All analyses were performed in SPSS 25.ResultsOf the 8313 women with a live birth in the last 5 years, more than 98% had received postnatal care at facility at least 24 h. More than three-fourth of mothers (n = 5104) received the FPNC according to WHO guideline. Four factors were positively associated with receiving FPNC: mothers received antenatal home visits by Public health midwife (AOR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.65–2.39), mothers who got information about antenatal complications and places to go at antenatal clinics (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.27–1.92), been Sinhala (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.35–2.66) and having own mobile phone (AOR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.02–1.38). Mothers who are residing in rural area (AOR = 0.697 95% CI = 0.52–0.93] compared to those who reside in urban areas and maternal age between 20 and 34 years [AOR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.54–0.97] compared to maternal age less than 20 years were detected as negatively associated.ConclusionReceiving FPNC in Srilanka is high. However, inequity remains to be a challenge. Socio-demographic factors are associated with FPNC coverage. Strategies that aim to improve postnatal care should target improvement of non-health factors as well.

Immediate postnatal care following childbirth in Ugandan health facilities: an analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys between 2001 and 2016

IntroductionProgress in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, is insufficient to achieve the Sustainable Developmental Goals by 2030. The first 24 hours following childbirth (immediate postnatal period),...

Utilization of ANC/PNC by the care receivers from community clinic and associated factors of the catchment area Gaibandha district

Background: Antenatal Care and Postnatal Care are one of the major components of safe motherhood to prevent maternal and neonatal mortality and to lead healthy and safe outcome of pregnancy. This cross sectional study was conducted on factors associated with Antenatal Care and Postnatal Care coverage among married women.Methodology: This cross-sectional study was undertaken in Gaibandha district on 320 married women with at least one children of age under 1 year age was taken.Results: Most of the women (56%) under this study was married before 18 years age. About 37.50% women have two ANC visit and 21.88% has 3 ANC visit and 25% have 1 ANC visit. Only 6.25% women fulfills sufficient ANC visit (4 times). At least one PNC service receiving rate is 59.38%, at least two PNC visit was 18.75% and No PNC visit was 15.62%.Conclusion: Most of the pregnant women were reluctant on ANC and PNC visit.

Utilization of Postnatal Care among Rural Women in Punjab.

Background:The postchildbirth period presents considerable challenges in the form of health risks for the mother and the newborn, yet postnatal care (PNC) remains seldom utilized maternal and newborn health intervention.Objectives:The present study aims to study the coverage of PNC among rural women in Punjab and understand the factors that determine the utilization of PNC services.Materials and Methods:From rural areas of seven districts of Punjab, a total of 420 respondents were questioned using semi-structured interview schedule. Binary logistic regression is employed to understand the factors that influence the utilization of complete PNC.Results:The utilization of complete PNC has remained mere 25.9% in the present study. The results of multivariate logistic regression reveal that variables district, caste, birth order, and type of delivery significantly influence the utilization of complete PNC.Conclusion:The utilization of PNC component is found to be abysmal as compared to antenatal component and institutional delivery among the study group. There is a need to create awareness regarding the necessity of PNC among the women.