Factors Affecting Utilization of Postpartum Care Services by Somali Mothers in Kisenyi Health Center IV.

Abstract

Introduction The purpose of this study was based on determining the factors affecting utilization of postpartum care services by somali mothers in Kisenyi Health Center IV. To determine the factors, the study thus further focussed on the specific objectives of assessing the socio-demographic factors affecting utilization of postpartum care services, identifying the Health facility related factors affecting utilization of postpartum care services and determining the individual factors affecting utilization of postpartum care services.

Methodology A descriptive cross sectional study design was used. A total of 296 Somali women were selected and analyzed. Self administered questionnaires were used to collect the data. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software to obtain the uni-variate and Bi-variate analysis of results.

Results Findings generated by the descriptive analysis of the total 296 respondents revealed that the socio-demographic factors of level of education (X2=15.88, P=0.002) and occupation (X2=14.68, P=0.000) were significantly associated with PNC utilization. Among the personal factors, parity (X2=3.46, P=0.006), and use of ANC (X2=22.36, P=0.012) were significantly associated with utilization of PNC services. The health facility factors of Place of delivery (X2=5.277, P=0.000), distance to the facility(X2=4.605, P=0.023), and availability of health workers (X2=21.73, P=0.000) were also significantly associated with utilization of PNC services among the Somali mothers.

Conclusion The level of the utilization of PNC was high at (60.8%). More qualitative and quantitative study is necessary to explore the factors affecting utilization of postpartum care services by somali mothers in Kisenyi Health Center IV with more emphasis on socio-demographic, individual and health facility factors. Thus increasing maternal education, poverty reduction which involves education and empowerment of women by providing them with skills that can assist them make appropriate livelihood can work as strategies to improve postnatal care utilization in Uganda.

Recommendations The results from this study suggest that public health policies aimed at reducing maternal and newborn morbidities and mortalities in Uganda should include strategies to improve postnatal care utilization through: increasing maternal education, poverty reduction which involves education and empowerment of women by providing them with skills that can assist them make appropriate livelihood.