Assessment Of Utilization Of Postpartum Care Services Among Women In Webuye West, Bungoma County, Kenya

ABSTRACT

Postpartum care is an important link in the continuum of care for maternal health. The postpartum period is critical because most maternal deaths occur during this time, yet this is the most neglected period for quality care provision. Postpartum Care (PPC) services are essential in the first six weeks extending to six months. When not offered they lead to complications, poor outcomes like morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess utilization and factors influencing utilization of PPC services among women in Webuye West, Bungoma County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive cross sectional design. The study population was all women of reproductive age with living children aged 6-9 months. Six Health Care Workers (HCWs) were key informants. The study composed of a sample of 384 women. The sampling techniques were purposive and simple random sampling. Data collection tools were a semi structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and interview guide. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.Statistical analysis was done using Pearson‟s Chi-Square test.On proportion of women utilizing postpartum care services only 33.6% utilized in the required timings and the attendance of mandatory visits was less than 40% which was below the recommended. All the four PPC visits were statistically significant to utilization. On socio cultural factors majority 85.8% of the women reported staying indoors during this period. Majority 55.7% of them had cultural beliefs and practices performed, both being statistically significant to PPC utilization. Religious beliefs and practices too were dependent on use of PPC (X2 p