Abstract:
Magnitude of Postnatal Service Utilization and Associated Factors among Mothers Who
gave birth in the Past one year in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia
The first hours, days and weeks after childbirth are a critical time for both the mother and
newborn infant. Post natal care prevents the great majority of maternal and child morbidity and
mortality. Despite its importance, this period is generally the most neglected in developing
countries. The objective of this study was to assess magnitude of postnatal service utilization and
associated factors among mothers who gave birth in the past one year (from April 30/2015 to
May 15/2016) in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia.Community based cross-sectional study was
conducted from May 15 to 31, 2016 GC. Multistage sampling technique employed to select the
study participants, with 652 sample size. A pre-tested questionnaire was used. Bivariate and
multivariate data analysis was performed using Epi DataVersion 3.02computer software. The
data was export into SPSS software Version 20 and analyze. The magnitude of postnatal care
utilization in this study was 81.8% (95% CI; 79.0%, 84.7%). Among PNC service users, majority
of study participants 89% are started to utilize within the time of four hours of delivery.
Secondary school and above educational status of the spouse (AOR=3.56, 95% CI (1.37, 9.26)),
having at least one ANC follow up for the last child (AOR= 4.97, 95% CL. (1.88,
13.15)),Mothers who gave birth to female child was 2.67 times (AOR: 2.67, 95% CI; (1.41,
5.04)), Mothers having four and above birth order were 79% (AOR: 0.21, 95% CI:
(0.08,.54)),Those mothers who make a decision by themselves to utilize health care services
were 2.57 times (AOR: 2.57, 95% CI: (1.27, 5.21)) and being aware of at least one postpartum
obstetric danger sign (AOR: 2.95, 95% CI. (1.44, 6.05)), were significantly associated with post
natal service use. Though the magnitude of PNC service use was high, but, it is less than the
national Health Sectors Transformation Plan.Education status of the spouse, ANC follow-up,
having female child, higher birth order, self-decisionon PNC utilization and knowing at least one
postpartum danger signs were found to be statistically significant determinant factors of PNC
service. Thus, tailored interventional strategies should be put in placeto encourage optimum use
of PNC services
