Low uptake of postnatal care services in northern Tanzania. (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Laisser, Rose Mjawa; Matovelo, Dismas; Kuzenza, Flora; Kidenya, Benson
• Is Part Of: African journal of midwifery and women's health. Volume 13:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 30
• Page End: 33
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Postnatal care -- Low uptake -- Health facility factors -- Midwives -- Tanzania; Midwifery -- Periodicals; Midwifery -- Africa -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Africa -- Periodicals; Women -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Women -- Health and hygiene -- Africa -- Periodicals; 618.20096
• DOI: 10.12968/ajmw.2019.13.1.30
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-7374

Abstract

Abstract : Background: High maternal and neonatal mortality is still a challenge in Tanzania. Postnatal care services are highly recommended to prevent these deaths; however, uptake of the services is unsatisfactory. Studies on health facility factors related to low use of postnatal care are also limited. Aims: To determine health facility factors that contribute to the low uptake of postnatal care services in 43 primary care facilities of Misungwi District, Tanzania. Methods: A validated checklist with secondary data from health facility records was used in data collection, which took place between April and June 2016. Findings: Findings showed that 40.6% of 2648 women who gave birth at the facilities returned for postnatal care. Inadequate numbers of midwives, medicines, beds and laboratory facilities were found. Conclusions: There is an urgent need to deploy midwives and improve non human resources for better maternal and infant outcomes.