Utilization Of Postpartum Care Services Among Women In Hodan District, Mogadishu-Somalia

Globally, more than half a million women die each year from complications of pregnancy and childbirth. A large proportion of maternal deaths occur during the first 48 hours after delivery and account for 99% of all deaths in developing countries (WHO, 2013). Postpartum care is an important link in the continuum of care for maternal health to prevent mortality and morbidity.
In China, coverage and quality of postpartum care are poor, and these also apply to low- and middle-income countries in Africa (Chen et al., 2014). The period soon after childbirth is critical to the health and survival of the mother and her newborn infant. Yet the postpartum period receives less attention from health care providers than pregnancy and childbirth. Care in the  period following birth is critical not only for survival but also for the future of mothers and newborn babies. Major changes occur during this period that determine their well-being and potential for a healthy future (WHO 2013). Postpartum care is the care given to the mother and her newborn baby immediately after birth and for the first six weeks of life. The purpose of the
study was to examine factors affecting the utilization of postpartum services among women in Hodan district, Mogadishu, Somalia. The researcher investigated the three most relevant specific objectives: socio-demographic factors, health facility-related factors, and individual factors. The study used a quantitative cross-sectional research design targeting a sample size of 384 respondents from all mothers of reproductive age living in Hodan District of Mogadishu, Somalia. Primary data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. After the data was collected, it was entered into Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software to analyze, interpret, and make meaningful conclusions and recommendations. The study concluded that health facility-related factors influencing utilization of PPC services are: availability of health facilities near residence; availability of PPC services; HCWs friendliness; availability and helpfulness; service charges; and waiting time. They are significant and dependent on PPC utilization. The study therefore rejects the null hypothesis and adopts an alternate conclusion by concluding that health facility-related factors have an influence on the utilization of PPC services. The study recommends raising more awareness about PPC during the ANC period and availing and using MCH booklets, health care workers, and community health volunteers’ involvement in follow-ups in every care unit (CU) to increase awareness of
PPC services to include visits, access, importance, and timing. Community involvement and collaboration of teams (HCWs, religious leaders, and elders) on PPC service utilization to mitigate socio-cultural factors.