Antenatal and Postnatal Service Utilization in Baglung Municipality, Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Antenatal and postnatal care is two of the most important strategies for minimizing mother and newborn deaths around the world. In this scenario, proper utilization of antenatal and postnatal care is critical for lowering the maternal and infant mortality rate. This study aimed to assess the utilization rate of antennal and postnatal services in Baglung municipality.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study among 187 mothers of reproductive age who visited Dhaulagiri zonal hospital of Baglung district, over a five months period. The ethical approval for the conduction of the study was taken from Nepal Health Research Council (Ref no. 2616). A convenient sampling technique was used in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used opting face to face interview technique for data collection. Similarly, the collected data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 20.

Results: More than two third 143(76.5%) respondents visited for their ANC checkup four or more times. Majority of respondents 180(96.3%) had their PNC visit within 24 hours of delivery. On the second and third visits, however, the number declined.

Conclusions: The use of antenatal care services was quite high, with all respondents having at least one antenatal visit and more than two-thirds visiting according to protocol. Despite having a high proportion of at least one PNC, complete PNC utilization was quite low.