Factors Associated With Utilisation of 4th Postnatal Care among Mothers Seeking Vaccination for Children in Selected Health Facilities in the City of Kigali, Rwanda

Abstract

Maternal mortality remains a global public health concern. Maternal mortality rate was 211deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017 with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for two third. A strengthened postnatal care can significantly reduce this unacceptable mortality. This study aims at assessing the factors associated with the utilization of 4th postnatal care services among mothers seeking vaccination for their children in selected health centers located in the city of Kigali. A cross-sectional study design was conducted in 10 health centers and 403 mothers were recruited. Data was collected using an interview-administered questionnaire, Chi-square and multivariate analysis were used to examine the relationship between independent variables and PNC4 attendance. Mothers who participated in the study (56.7%) were between the ages of 26 and 35, 47.6% were cohabiting, and 49.6% had completed secondary and TVET school. The attendance of PNC4 was 27%. PNC4 service awareness (AOR = 10.922, 95% CI: 5.869-20.325, P 0.001), ANC attendance (AOR = 2.334, 95% CI, 1.050-5.188, P = 0.038), and religion belief (AOR=0.338, 95% CI, 0.177-0.645, P=0.001) were significantly associated with PNC4 attendance. The utilisation of PNC4 is still low. PNC4 should be strengthened to ensure the well-being of the mothers and children. Keywords: Postnatal care, Vaccination for Children, utilization, Selected Health facilities, Kigali, Rwanda