Factors contributing to low utilization of post-natal care services among mothers attending Mwizi Health Center III, Mwizi Sub-county, Mbarara District
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Date
2015-10
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Publisher
Kampala International University, School of Health Sciences
Abstract
Postnatal care is regarded as one of the most important maternal health care services for the prevention of impairment and disabilities resulting from the childbirth. Postnatal services refers to measures undertaken after birth to ensure good health of the mother and child. Postnatal refers to the period immediately after birth up to six weeks.
The main objective of this study was to identify the factors contributing to low utilization of postnatal services by mothers at Mwizi health Centre III.
A descriptive and cross sectional design was employed and 50 respondents were selected using simple and random sampling procedure. Data was collected using an interview guide.
Results were analyzed using tables graphs and pie charts. Majority of the respondents had some knowledge about the postnatal services offered and had delivered their babies from home/TBAs. Respondents faced various individual factors like lack of transport to the health Centre and failure of their partners to encourage them to attend postnatal clinics. Respondents also faced various institutional factors contributing to low utilization of postnatal services such as long waiting hours at the postnatal clinic, long distance from the health Centre and inadequate sensitization of mothers by health workers about the importance of postnatal services.
In conclusion, the researcher noted although respondents were knowledgeable about some aspects of postnatal services they faced various factors which contributed to low utilization of postnatal services.
There is need therefore for more sensitization and health education of mothers on the importance of ensuring the use of postnatal services.
Description
A research report submitted to Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of Diploma in Nursing Sciences of Kampala International University
Keywords
Postnatal care services, Mothers, Mwizi Health Centre III, Mbarara district