The determinants of postnatal health check among mothers in Sierra Leone: evidence from SLDHS 2019
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Date
2024
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University of the Western Cape
Abstract
The postpartum period is considered a vulnerable time for both the mother and the infant as the kind of assistance they receive in this crucial period, may significantly change their lives. This study therefore examines the factors influencing postnatal healthcare utilization among mothers in Sierra Leone, where maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain high despite national policies like the Free Healthcare Initiative. Postnatal care is crucial for preventing postpartum complications, yet access remains limited due to socioeconomic disparities, geographic barriers, and cultural factors. The main objective is to analyse how mothers’ sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics (age, education, wealth, residence, and marital status) affect postnatal care use. The study also explores the role of these factors in determining the type of healthcare provider and the content of care received, using data from the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey (SLDHS). The methodology is quantitative, which encompasses univariate and bivariate analyses, alongside multivariate logistic regression analysis. Key findings reveal that 83.8% of mothers receiving postnatal care were attended by nurses or midwives, with 65% receiving all five essential components of care. Bivariate analysis shows significant associations between factors like education, wealth, residence, and birth order with the type of provider and care content. Multivariate analysis highlights region, wealth index, and place of delivery as strong predictors of specific postnatal interventions, such as cord examination and breastfeeding observation. The results indicate that wealthier, better-educated mothers are more likely to receive care from skilled providers, while rural mothers and those with lower education levels often rely on traditional birth attendants.
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Keywords
Postnatal Health Check, Delivery By Caesarean Section, Timing Of Postnatal Check, Skilled Birth Attendants, Sierra Leone