DETERMINANTS OF POSTNATAL CARE SERVICE UTILIZATION AMONG REPRODUCTIVE AGE WOMEN IN BASSO LIBEN WOREDA, NORTH WEST ETHIOPIA

Objectives: The objective of the study is to assess the determinants of postnatal care service utilization among reproductive age women in Basso Liben woreda. Methods: The data were collected from a representative sample of 374 populations using systematic sampling technique. The major strategy of the study was mixed approach. In quantitative study, the data were collected using structure questionnaires. The study participants were women of reproductive age (15–49 years) who gave birth in the past 2 years before the study. The dependent variable is utilization of at least one postnatal care visit within 6 weeks of delivery. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were employed to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. Results: From the total respondents, 37.7% of the mother and 20.3% of newborn had gotten postnatal checkup within the first 6 weeks, respectively. From PNC users, 51.1% of the mother and 47.4% of the newborn had utilized PNC 1 time, respectively. Based on multivariate analysis maternal education, number of ANC follow-up, PNC information before delivery, monthly income, place of delivery, and attendant during delivery have statistically significance association with postnatal health-care service utilization. Conclusion: The use of postnatal care service utilization is still limited in the study area. Only 37.7% of the mother and 20.3% of newborn had gotten postnatal checkup. Establishing qualified health facility around the area, expanding transport accessibility, and providing vehicles like ambulances that used to take mothers in the health facility are used to improve postnatal care service utilization