Factors influencing utilisation of postnatal services in Kampala, Uganda
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Date
2008
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Maternal, child-health and health education are three major concerns of public health organizations and
researchers throughout the world. Over half a million women encounter complications due to childbirth annually
and many even die. Health education for mothers is thus a strategy many countries have adopted to improve
maternal and child-health.
OBJECTIVES:
This study investigated possible factors influencing the use of postnatal services at two hospitals in Kampala-
Uganda.
STUDY DESIGN:
A cross-sectional survey was completed by a convenient sample of women.
METHODS:
A structured questionnaire was administered to three hundred and thirty (330) women six to eight weeks after
delivery. The participants were selected from a list of all women who delivered in two hospitals in Kampala,
Uganda.
RESULTS:
The main barriers to utilisation of postnatal services identified were lack of awareness about postnatal services,
distance from hospitals and lack of somebody to take care of the children at home.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results from this study reinforce the need for education of women and the communities about the importance
of postnatal care.
Description
Keywords
Postnatal care, Barriers, Healthcare, Mothers, Uganda
Citation
Nankwanga, A. & Phillips, J. (2008). Factors influencing utilisation of postnatal services in Kampala, Uganda. Journal of Community & Health Sciences, 3(1): 1-9