Publication: Factors Affecting the Uptake of Institutional Delivery, Antenatal and Postnatal Care in Nawalparasi District, Nepal
Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Maternal deaths and complications are highly preventable with good antenatal,
postnatal and skilled care during childbirth. Inadequate information on the factors
affecting these services could be barrier to a reduction of maternal deaths in low-
income countries.
Objective
To assess the uptake of antenatal, postnatal and skilled care during childbirth.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted in eight villages of Nawalparasi district in
southern Nepal. A total of 447 women who had given birth within the preceding 24
months were recruited using multistage random sampling. Data were collected using
a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Chi-square tests were used to assess
association between variables.
Result
Over 70% of women had gone for at least four antenatal care check-ups while
only 14.3% had at least three postnatal check-ups in their last pregnancies. The
proportion of institution delivery was 54%. Women’s literacy was associated with
the uptake of antenatal services (p=<0.001), postnatal care (p=0.04) and institutional
delivery (p=<0.001). Knowledge of antenatal (p=<0.001) and postnatal care was also
associated with uptake of respective services (p=<0.001).
Conclusion
The uptake and knowledge of antenatal care was much better than of postnatal care.
Home delivery rates were still very high. A scaling-up of education and awareness-
raising interventions in this community could help improve the uptake of maternal
health services.
KEY WORDS
Childbirth, Maternal health, Pregnancy, Service utilisation, South Asia
Description
Pradhan S,1,2van Teijlingen E,2-4Simkhada PP,2-5Dhungel A,1Silwal RC,1Fanning P,6Wasti SP7
1Green Tara Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal.
2CMMPH, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth,
UK.
3Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences
(MMIHS), Kathmandu, Nepal.
4Nobel College, Kathmandu, Nepal.
5School of Human and Health Sciences, University of
Huddersfield, Huddersfild, UK.
6Green Tara Trust, London, UK.
7Independent Research Consultant, Kathmandu,
Nepal.
Keywords
Childbirth, Maternal health, Pregnancy, Service utilisation, South Asia