Factors influencing utilisation of postnatal services in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Maternal, child-health and health education are three major concerns of public health organizations and researchers throughout the world. Over half a million women encounter complications due to childbirth annually and many even die. Health education for mothers is thus a strategy many countries have adopted to improve maternal and child-health. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated possible factors influencing the use of postnatal services at two hospitals in Kampala- Uganda. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was completed by a convenient sample of women. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was administered to three hundred and thirty (330) women six to eight weeks after delivery. The participants were selected from a list of all women who delivered in two hospitals in Kampala, Uganda. RESULTS: The main barriers to utilisation of postnatal services identified were lack of awareness about postnatal services, distance from hospitals and lack of somebody to take care of the children at home. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study reinforce the need for education of women and the communities about the importance of postnatal care.