Abstract:
Background: Postnatal care service is crucial for preventing morbidity and mortality during the postnatal
period. Early postnatal visits are critical for the survival of mothers and newborns, aiding in the detection
and management of complications. Many mothers and newborns do not receive timely postnatal care
despite its benefits.
Objective: The study aims to identify the determinants of early postnatal care service utilization among
mothers who gave birth in the last 12 months in Adea Berga District, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Ethiopia.
Methods: A community-based, unmatched case-control study was conducted in Adea Berga Disrict, West
shoa zone among 465 mothers (155 cases and 310 controls) from 10 rural and one urban kebeles. Simple
random sampling was employed to select participants. Data were collected from November 01 to December
30, 2023 through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires, entered into Epi Data version
4.6, and analyzed using SPSS Version 25 software. Descriptive statistics were utilized to present data using
tables, graphs, and charts. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis were
performed. In the final multivariable logistic regression analysis model, a p-value of less than 0.05 and an
Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify determinants of early
postnatal care service utilization.
Results: This study has a 100% response rate for both case and controls. The study found that the following
factors were associated with early postnatal care services. women who lived in urban areas (AOR: 4.6,
95% CI: 2.06, 10.33), married women compared to their counterparts (AOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.47, 6.25),
employed mothers (AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.25, 5.09), women who attended primary school (AOR: 1.4, 95%
CI: 1.81, 7.51), women who had ANC follow-up (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.28, 6.04) and women who had access
to transportation (AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.45, 4.40).
Conclusion: Place of residence, marital status, educational level, occupation, Antenatal care Follow-Up
and Access to Transportation significantly influenced the likelihood of utilizing early postnatal care
services. District Health office,Health Workers and Health Extension workers Should focus on improving
the utilization of other maternal health services, such as antenatal care (ANC) and maternal education, as
these are key entry points for seeking early postnatal care.
