Use of early postnatal care among postpartum women in Eastern Uganda

To investigate the level and predictors of early postnatal care (EPNC) utilization in Soroti District, Eastern Uganda.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at nine health facilities in February 2014. Women aged 15-49years who had delivered in the previous year (but >1week ago) were enrolled at postnatal care clinics. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Multivariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with EPNC use (postnatal care visit 2-7days after delivery).

Among 357 respondents, 55 (15.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 11.6%-19.2%) used EPNC services. EPNC attendance was significantly associated with formal employment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.88; 95% CI 1.08-13.93; P=0.038) and education about postnatal care schedules (aOR 9.73; 95% CI 1.58-60.06; P=0.014). Women at public health facilities were significantly less likely to have attended EPNC than were those at private facilities (aOR 0.03; 95% CI 0.01-0.10; P<0.001). An increase in length of hospitalization by 1day was associated with reduced EPNC utilization (aOR 0.63; 95% CI 0.43-0.91; P=0.015).

EPNC was poorly utilized and prioritized. Its use was hindered by protracted hospitalization, care provision at public facilities, maternal unemployment or self-employment, and lack of information.