Abstract
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Abstract; BackgroundPostnatal care (PNC) services such as antenatal care, labour and delivery care services are paramount in maternal, neonatal morbidity and mortality rates reduction in low and middle income countries. Several factors impede the effective utilization of these services by mothers which makes them access few services than recommended by world health organization. This study examined the determinants of PNC utilization among mothers in Mangochi District, Malawi.MethodsA community based cross-sectional study involving a multistage sampling of 600 mothers from nine randomly selected villages in Mangochi district, Malawi was conducted in the month of January, 2016. A transcribed semi-structured questionnaire was pre-tested, modified and used to collect data on socio demographic, socio-economic and socio-cultural characteristics. A Pearson Chi square (𝜒2) test was used to determine the association between the socio-demographic, socio-cultural, and socio-economic factors and PNC utilization. A multivariable logistic regression with 95% confidence interval was performed to determine the predictors of PNC service utilization.Results84.8% of the mothers utilized PNC services at least once within the postnatal period. Among the PNC users, 74.5% attended once, 20% attended two to three times and 5.5% attended more than three times. The predictors of PNC service utilization were education level of the mother (AOR= 2.42, CI: 1.97-6.04) education level of the partner (AOR=1.5, CI: 1.25-2.49) , occupation status of the partner (AOR= 3.2, CI: 1.25-8.01), household level of income (AOR=14.4, CI: 5.90-35.16), decision making (AOR=2.27, CI: 1.13-4.57), knowledge of available PNC services (AOR=4.2, CI: 2.22-7.41), knowledge of at least one postpartum danger signs (AOR=4.0, CI:2.07-7.50), and place of delivery (AOR=6.9, CI: 3.35-14.14).ConclusionThe rate of PNC service utilization among mothers was 85%. The uptake of PNC services among mothers was mainly influenced by education level of the mother and partner, occupation status of the partner, household level of income, decision making power, knowledge of available PNC services, knowledge of at least one postpartum danger signs, and place of delivery. Therefore, reinforcement of the existing policies and strategies to increase awareness about PNC services among mothers through awareness campaigns, training and empowerment programs is needed.