Predictors of Postnatal Care Service Utilization Among Women of Childbearing Age in The Gambia: Analysis of Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey

Background: Despite the importance of postnatal care (PNC) in maternal and newborn health, however, such services have been underutilized in many resource-constrained settings including The Gambia. The objective of this study was to determine the coverage and factors of PNC in The Gambia. Methods: The 2018 data from The Gambia Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS) were analyzed. Data from 9205 women with ages 15-49 years, who also have given birth, were extracted for the analysis. Percentages and Chi-square tests were used. In addition, multi-variable logistic regression model was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (with corresponding 95% CI). The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of PNC was 22.4% and 26.7% for women and children, respectively. Local government area (LGA) was associated with PNC for women and children alike. Furthermore, ethnicity was associated with PNC among women in The Gambia. Women who listened to radio almost every day had 1.51 increase in the odds of PNC (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.98) and 1.30 increase in the odds of PNC for children (OR= 1.30; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.67), respectively, when compared with women who do not listen to radio. Women who initiated antenatal care (ANC) at second or third trimester (late booking) had a 22% reduction in the odds of PNC (OR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.94), when compared with women who booked at first trimester. Conclusion: The findings showed that geographical locations, ethnicity, use of radio, and timing to antenatal care initiation were associated with PNC. Women's enlightenment and early ANC programs can be designed to improve PNC coverage.