Factors Influencing Utilization Of Postnatal Care Services Among Mothers With Children Aged Between 7-14 Weeks Attending Child Welfare Clinic At Kisii Teaching And Referral Hospital-Kenya

Purpose: The postnatal period is an important link in the continuum of maternal and neonatal health. The study's main objective was to determine the factors influencing utilization of postnatal care services among mothers with children aged 7-14 weeks attending child welfare clinic at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital. Methods: This study was Descriptive Cross-sectional study. The target population was 268 mothers with children aged between 7-14 weeks who attended child welfare clinic. Semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire were used in data collection. Data from questionnaires was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Logistic regression was fitted, Possible association and statistical significance were measured using odds ratio at 95% confidence interval and p<0.05. Results: The proportion of mothers who utilized postnatal services was 35.8%. Mothers who received very friendly reception were more likely to utilize postnatal care services (OR 8.5, 95% CI 2.4 to 11.5, P=0.006). Furthermore, mothers who were taught about postnatal care services during antenatal clinic were more likely to utilize postnatal care services (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.4, P=0.008). Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study shows unacceptably low utilization of postnatal care services. Education, parity, place of delivery and awareness were found to be significantly associated with utilization of postnatal care services. Benefits of postnatal care services utilization should be urgently emphasized through strengthening the provision of information, education and communication.