Assessment of Postnatal Care Service Utilization and Associated Factors in Asella Town, Arsi Zone, Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Post-natal care refers to the assistance given to the mothers and the babies for a period of six weeks from the time of delivery. It is believed to be low in Ethiopia. This study provided postnatal care service utilization information in the study area.Objectives: To assess postnatal care service utilization prevalence in Asella Town, Arsi Zone, Ethiopia, 2017.Method: Cross sectional community based descriptive study conducted on postnatal care service utilization among women delivered in the last two years Asela. Study carried out from August 01 to December 30/2017. Study cluster selected by using lottery method. A total of 209 households were included in the study. Data collected by using structured questionnaires. The collected data analyzed by using EPI Info version 3.5.4 and SPSS version 21. The result presented using tables, graphs and narrations.Results: A total of 209 participants included and 99.3 % responded with mean age of 26.7 + 4.4 years. Hundred fifty six (74.2%) heard about PNC while 152(72.7%) reportedly used postnatal care service. Mothers with better education, antenatal follow up and appointment for postnatal care showed better proportion of postnatal care use.Conclusion and recommendations: The overall prevalence of PNC service utilization in this study was 72.8%. The quarter claimed did not know PNC service. The health care providers and policy makers are recommended to increase the awareness of mothers on postnatal care services. To schedule mothers based on the national postnatal care follow-up protocol in order to increase post-natal care service utilization.