Postnatal Care Utilization and Associated Factors Among Women Who Have Given Birth in the Last 12 Months in East Azernet Berbere District, Siltie Zone, Central Ethiopia, 2025: A Mixed-Methods Study
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Date
2025-12-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Postnatal care utilization, defined as receiving at least one check up within the
first 42 days after delivery, is crucial for detecting maternal complications. However, globally
and particularly in Sub-Saharan regions, a significant number of maternal mortalities occur in the
postnatal period, reflecting serious gaps in PNC use. The postnatal period continues to be a time
of heightened risk In Ethiopia, despite reduction in overall maternal mortality. Furthermore, PNC
utilization in the country is still low. This indicates the need for further plan and intervention.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of PNC service utilization and associated factors among
mothers who have given birth in the last 12 months in East Azernet Berbere district, Siltie zone,
Central Ethiopia.
Methods: A mixed methodS study was conducted from February 15 to April 28, 2025. Quantitative
data was collected from 433 women who gave birth within a year before the study using an
interviewer-administered questionaire. These women were selected through multistage sampling.
Qualitative data was gathered from purposively sampled postnatal women, Health extension workers, and
other health professionals working in the MCH departments of health facilities within the district, through
in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. For the quantitative
data, SPSS version 27 was used for analysis, and logistic regression was used to determine
associations. A p-value of <0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.
Results: Out of the 433 mothers who participated, the proportion of PNC utilization was 38.6% (95% CI:
34%– 43%). Factors that showed statistical significance with PNC utilization were women with a
diploma or higher education, who experienced pregnancy complications, delivered via cesarean section,
lived within 30 minutes of a health facility, or used maternity waiting homes, and house hold monthly
income At P-value < 0.05. Thes findings were supported by qualitative results, and showed lack of
awareness, financial constraints, transportation difficulties, and social stigma were major barriers to PNC
utilization.
Conclusion: PNC utilization in the study area remains low as compared to the WHO’s recommendation
for PNC coverage. Targeted interventions to educating the community, improving access to health
services, and strengthening supportive environments are essential to enhance PNC use in rural Ethiopia.
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Keywords
Postnatal care, Utilization, Barriers, Maternal health, Mixed-method study, Central Ethiopia