Publications

Postnatal care is regarded as one of the most important maternal health care services forthe prevention of impairment and disabilities resulting from the childbirth. Postnatalservices refers to measures undertaken after birth to ensure good health of themother and child. Postnatal refers to the period immediately after birth up to six weeks.The main objective of this study was to identify the factors contributing to low utilizationof postnatal services by mothers at Mwizi health Centre III. A descriptive and crosssectionaldesign was employed and 50 respondents were selected using simple and randomsampling procedure. Data was collected using an interview guide. Results were analysedusing tables graphs and pie charts. Majority of the respondents had some knowledge aboutthe postnatal services offered and had delivered their babies from home/TBAs.Respondents faced various individual factors like lack of transport to the health centre andfailure of their partners to encourage them to attend postnatal clinics. Respondents alsofaced various institutional factors contributing to low utilization of postnatal services suchas long waiting hours at the postnatal clinic, long distance from the health centre andinadequate sensitization of mothers by health workers about the importance of postnatalservices. In conclusion, the researcher noted although respondents were knowledgeableabout some aspects of postnatal services they faced various factors which contributed to low utilization of postnatal services. There is need therefore for more sensitization and health education of mothers on the importance of ensuring the use of postnatal services