UTILIZATION OF POSTNATAL CARE SERVICES AND ITS DETERMINANTS AMONG WOMEN WHO GAVE BIRTH IN THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN TWO DISTRICTS OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Background: Utilization of complete postnatal care is an essential part of the continuum of care for maternal health. The study aimed to determine the utilization of complete postnatal care services and recognize its determinants among women who gave birth in the last one year in the two districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in district Sargodha and district Mianwali from August 2023 to March 2024, using a self-structured questionnaire. Convenience sampling method was performed to include 262 women who gave birth during the previous 12 months in the sample. Data entry and analysis were carried out using SPSS version 22. Chi-square test was employed to find association between the variables and p value <= 0.05 was set for statistical significance. Results: The participant's mean age was 29.7 +/- 4.3 years. Only 69 (26.3%) women received all four recommended post-natal visits. Approximately 93%, started postnatal care within 24 hours of delivery. Most postpartum clients were recommended to take folic acid and iron supplements. Area of residence (p=0.05), husband's educational status (p=0.001), husband's occupation (p=0.007), average monthly income (p<0.001), preceding birth interval (p=0.004), place of delivery (p<0.001), mode of delivery (p<0.001), receiving post-natal care counseling (p=0.03), and utilization of complete postnatal care showed a significant association. Conclusion: A low practice of complete postnatal care utilization was observed. Significant association was found between residence, husband's educational status, husband's occupation, monthly income, preceding birth interval, place of delivery, mode of delivery, being counseled and utilization of complete PNC.