POST-NATAL CARE –HEALTH SEEKING BEHAVIOR AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN HOMA BAY TOWN

Background: Postnatal care (PNC) is vital for the life of both mother and child as it reduces both marternal and infant morbidities and mortalities. However, in Kenya, PNC utilization is low (48%) but the cause is not known. Post-natal care –health seeking behavior among women oreproductive age in homa bay town Methods: A total of 377 mothers having children aged 6-8 weeks old participated in the study in which a community based cross sectional study using quantitative complemented by qualitative methods of data collection was employed. Quantitative data collection involved structured questionnaires administered to mothers proportionately and systematically randomly sampled. Qualitative data was collected through Key informant interview guide from 10 purposively selected health care providers and 11 lead community volunteers (CHVs). The SPSS version 17.0 and Chi square, Logistic regression and odds ratio were used for quantitative data analysis while thematic approach was used to analyse qualitative data to complement the findings. Results: Majority, 80% understood PNC and utilized such services within 6-8 weeks. About 81% of mother received information from skilled health workers. Majority,80% of women received immunization and was significant (χ² =12.635, p=0.027) to Utilization of PNC. Close 64% of women attended PNC services between two and three times. 67% mothers mentioned haemorrhage as the likely risk after delivery. Main attitude-related reason for low utilization of PNC service was lack of awareness (50.5%) of PNC, experience, expectation and perception that was significant (χ² =11.688, p=0.039) to access to PNC services. Majority who accessed PNC services expected physical examination (49.1%) and immunization of their babies (44.5%) and said the quality was good. On health seeking behaviours, 84% delivered in a health facility and 10.8% delivered home and was significant (χ² =11.354, p=0.003) to utilization of PNC. 89% accessed some form of PNC service was significant (χ² =21.515, p=0.000). There was a gap between knowing and understanding PNC as majority of the respondents had knowledge of PNC but attended twice and late between 4 and 6 weeks for purposes of immunization and sickness (hemorrhage). Conclusion: The study also revealed that positive attitude regarding reception by health providers, quality of service, expectation, experience and perception of PNC services increased utilization of PNC services.