Abstract:
Abstract
Introduction: In Ethiopia maternal mortality has been a major public health problem. Postnatal
care services utilization was very low as whole. In this regard, hot spot areas were not clearly
identified. Besides, there was variability in the determinants of PNC services utilization among
districts of nation. Hence, to introduce locally adaptive measures, it was essential to study
spatial pattern, prevalence and determinants of PNC service utilization at district level.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the spatial distribution, magnitude and
determinants of postnatal care service utilization in Farta district, South Gonder Administrative
Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, in 2017
Methodology: Cross sectional study was carried out among 737mothers in 11Keble’s and
multi stage sampling technique was used to select the subjects. Binary logistic regression
statistical model using adjusted odd ratio (AOR) and 95% CI was used to identify determinants
of PNC services utilizations. Getis-Ord Gi* statistics was used to determine hot and cold spot
areas of PNC service utilization status.
Results: The spatial analysis showed that hot spot clusters of PNC services utilization were
found in Kanat, Amjeya, Askuma, and Wokerotadiomender & Huletwanomagera Kebles and
cold spot clusters of PNC services utilization were found in Lemdo-debrsena, Worken and
Genamechwecha. The magnitude of PNC services utilization in Farta District was 26.19 %
[95% CI: (22.8-29.2)] with variations in between Kebles. Having formal education of mother [95
% CI: 2.8(1.75-4.48)], birth at health facility [95% CI: 3.18 (1.73-5.85)], counseling given during
ANC visits [(95 %CI: 5.72(3.42-9.55)],complications during or after delivery [95%CI: 2.78(1.206.52)]
and living with in 5km of health facility [95 % CI: 2(1.29-3.10]were identified as
determinants of PNC services utilization.
Conclusion and Recommendation: Spatial distribution of PNC services utilization was not
randomly distributed. Having formal education, counseling during ANC and facility delivery
were positively associated whereas having no complications during or after delivery and
residing far from health facility were negatively associated with PNC services utilization.
Tracing mechanism for reaching pregnant women should be developed and strengthend to
improve counseling services at home. Frequent support and supervision for remote Kebles.
Key word: Postnatal care, utilization, distribution, Farta district, Amhara Region
