Title: Postnatal care service utilization and associated factor among reproductive age women who live in Dolo Addo District, Somali region, Southeast Ethiopia

Abstract

The Postnatal period is a critical time for both mothers and her baby. A care given during this period is reduce a numerous of maternal and neonatal death. Despite its importance of postnatal care utilization, little is known about this postnatal care utilization and associated factors in this study area, so this study aimed to assess postnatal care services utilization and associated factors among reproductive women who gave live birth in last two years in Dolo Addo District Somali region southeastern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 388 women who gave live birth during last two years prior to the study. Data was collected by using structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. During multivariate analysis a variable with p-value less than 0.05 declared significantly associated with postnatal care service utilization. This study reported that prevalence of postnatal utilization is 22.2% among reproductive age women in Dolo Addo district. Factor associated with PNC included, having ANC visit during pregnancy (AOR=3.03, 95%CI=1.74, 5.29), and place of delivery (AOR=2.23, 95%CI=1.25, 3.98) and maternal health care decision power (AOR=1.78, 95%CI=1.05,3.01) were a factors significantly associated with postnatal care service utilization. In this study nearly quarter of the women utilize PNC in Dolo Addo District. In order to enhance PNC in this area intervention should be targeted during ANC follow up, during labor and delivery. Furthermore, crucial steps should be taken to empower women which improve utilization of maternal health care service.