Abstract:
Background: Postnatal period is defined as the first six weeks after birth and is critical to
the health and survival of both mother and newborn. Most maternal and infant deaths
occur during this time. Provision of post natal care by skilled health professionals’ for all
mother and new born is crucial to promote better life of mothers and their new born.
Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of postnatal care
service utilization and associated factors among women who gave birth in the last 12
months in Tole district, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2021.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted at selected kebeles in
Tole district from December 1/2021 to December 30/2021. A total of 359 Women (with
response rate of 98%) who had delivered a baby within the last 12 months were included.
The study participants were selected by systematic random sampling method. After
obtaining written consent data were collected through face-to-face interview using a
structured and pre–tested questionnaire. Data were entered, cleaned and analyzed using
SPSS version 23.0 and Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done
to identify the associated factors with CI of 95% and P. Value of less than 0.05. Figures
and tables were used for the presentation of descriptive results.
Result: This study showed postnatal care utilization in Tole District was 46.8%. Women
whose partner occupation was merchant (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI; 1.3–13.6), participants
who had history ANC visit (AOR = 5, 95% CI = 1.54–16.73), participants who delivered
at public hospital and health center (AOR = 13.4, 95% CI = 5–36.2) and (AOR = 2.25,
95% CI = 1.08–4.68) respectively , history of PNC utilization for previous delivery
(AOR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.02–5.32) and family size greater than five ( AOR = 0.41, 95%
CI = 0.2–0.84) were statistically significant factors of PNC utilization in the study area .
Conclusion and Recommendation: The study identified postnatal care utilization in the
study area was low. Family size, husband occupation, ANC utilization history, place of
delivery and PNC utilization history were main associated factors with PNC utilization.
As a result, strengthening and promoting ANC service, institutional delivery and PNC
services, and proper counseling are crucial
