Abstract
Bawa Muhamad Tawaio
Abstract
The postnatal period is a critical phase in the lives of mothers and new born babies. Most maternal and infant deaths occur during this time. Yet, this is the most neglected period for the provision of quality care (WHO 2013). The objective of the study was to review the factors that influence the utilization of postnatal care in Jahi Primary Health Centre, Abuja. The information obtained from the study would be useful to the researcher, the health workers, the mothers and the hospital administration to improve its utilisation. The study was literature based. Questionnaire was used for data collection. A descriptive study was carried out on 200 eligible nursing mothers. Convenience sampling strategy was utilized to select participants. Data was analyzed and interpreted statistically using percentage in frequency distribution table. Findings: 130(65%) were aware of PNC of which 78(65%) defined PNC as services for child immunization. 103(79.2%) said mother should attend PNC once at six weeks and 15(18.7%) did not think it was necessary because they were not ill. Permission for PNC and distance to the hospital were not problems to majority. It is recommended that health workers should strengthen provision of information, education and communication about PNC to mothers and provide PNC at convenient hours in a comprehensive non-fragmented manner, with privacy, respect and minimal waiting time. The study concluded that inadequate knowledge of postnatal services and inadequate provision of PNC by health providers are the major barriers that hinders women from accessing PNC in Jahi PHC.