Factors Associated with Utilization of Complete Postnatal Care Service in Baglung Municipality, Nepal

BACKGROUND: Postnatal period is six weeks after birth. It is critical but is the most neglected period. A large proportion of maternal and neonatal deaths occur during 48 hours following childbirth. The utilization of the recommended three postnatal checkups within seven days after delivery, which plays a vital role in preventing maternal and neonatal deaths, is low in Nepal. OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at identifying the factors associated with the utilization of complete postnatal care (PNC) among mothers. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 318 mothers in wards 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Baglung municipality, Nepal. Data was collected by semi-structured interviews. Descriptive analysis and comparison of characteristics of women/families with complete vs. partial postnatal checkups using multivariable logistic regression were done. RESULTS: Among 314 respondents receiving at least one PNC, 78% had partial and 22% had complete PNC. Relatively advantaged caste/ethnicity- Brahman/Chhetri (aOR = 3.18, 95% CI: 1.24-8.12) and Janajati (aOR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.09-7.53) - compared to Dalits, husbands working as a job holder in Nepal (aOR = 3.49, 95% CI: 1.50-8.13), and delivery in a private hospital (aOR = 11.4, 95% CI: 5.40-24.2) were associated with having complete PNC. CONCLUSION: Although PNC attendance at least once was high, utilization of complete PNC was low. More focus to mothers from disadvantaged caste/ethnicity, those whose husbands are in foreign employment, and improvement in quality of care in government health facilities may increase the use of complete PNC.