Publication:

Barriers and enablers to postnatal care services utilization among women of reproductive age in Bosaso district, Somalia

Background The postnatal period is the period immediately following birth and up to six weeks after delivery. Quality postnatal care is important for continuity of care for the mother and the newborn. The aim of this study was to establish the barriers and obstacles to postnatal services utilization among women of reproductive age in Bosaso district, Somalia.

Methods The study was a cross-sectional analysis and a community-focused approach. The sample size was determined by the statistical formula proposed by Cochran (1998) and 384 women participated in the study. Questionnaires were used to obtain quantitative data. Qualitative data was obtained through key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Data was analysed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) V25. Chi square test provided inferential statistics with 95% confidence intervals, and a p value cut-off of ≤0.05.

Results The response rate was 100%. 33.3% were aged 23 to 28 years while 49.0% were married. There was a statistically significant association (χ²=6.007, df=2, p=0.050, Cramer’s V=0.050) between marital status and the utilization of postnatal care services. There was no significant association between education levels and the uptake of postnatal care services, (χ²=3.497, df=3, p=0.321, Cramer’s V=0.321). There was a statistically significant correlation between accessibility of health facilities and utilization of postnatal care services.

Conclusions Marital status is a significant factor in utilizing postnatal care services. Distance to health facilities impacts health seeking behaviour. Majority never attended postnatal care services as recommended.