Factors Associated with Post-Natal Care Utilization among the Women of Reproductive age Group: Evidence from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017–18

Abstract

Introduction Postnatal period is a crucial stage of illness for mothers and their newborn children. Lack of post-natal care (PNC) services during this period is lifethreatening for both the mother and the babies. This study aims at examining the associated factors of PNC utilization among the mothers to explore the opportunities to accelerate it. Methods This study utilized the latest data from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017–18, a nationally representative survey. A weighted sample of 5043 Bangladeshi women who gave birth three years prior to the survey was studied. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the underlying factors associated with the utilization of PNC. Results Around 63% women sought PNC from any kind of provider within 24 h to 42 days of the delivery among whom more than 48% received it from medically trained providers. Together with several sociodemographic factors- administrative division, place of residence, educational level, employment status, wealth status, some maternal factors such as- antenatal care (ANC) visits, place and mode of delivery- played a significant role in utilizing PNC services from trained providers. Conclusion To further improve utilization of post-natal care, national and local level action plans should be introduced to promote health facility delivery irrespective of their place of residence. In the meantime, PNC awareness campaigns, intervention and economic empowerment programs targeting mothers from the poorest quintile needs to be implemented, particularly those who are unable to attend at least four ANC visits, and have accessibility issues to education.

Early postnatal care contact within 24 hours by skilled providers and its determinants among home deliveries in Myanmar: Further analysis of the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey 2015–16

“…Furthermore, limited access to mass media, particularly in remote and underserved areas, would make it difficult for women to reach essential health knowledge and information regarding the importance of early PNC. In this study, women who exposed to mass media at least once weekly experienced a higher chance of using early PNC checkup, which was consistent with findings of studies conducted in Indonesia, Bangladesh and Nigeria[ 35 – 37 ]. Therefore, health education through the different media could increase the awareness of the mothers, their families and communities which can lead to increase utilization of PNC services.…”

Comparison of inequality in utilization of postnatal care services between Bangladesh and Pakistan: Evidence from the Demographic and Health Survey 2017–2018

“…Several South Asian [ 38 , 40 ] and African [ 42 , 43 ] studies indicate that women with secondary or higher education utilize PNC services more than those with primary or below education. Educated women exhibit higher health awareness, health-seeking behavior, and better decision-making ability toward healthcare use than less educated groups [ 44 , 45 ]. Consequently, the differences in perception about the importance and necessity of healthcare among higher educated and non-educated women increase the inequality in PNC services.…”