Assessment of provision of immediate postnatal care for mothers and their newborn babies and associated factors at jumc maternity ward

Abstract

Postnatal period is the first six weeks (42 days) following delivery of the baby. The immediate postnatal period covers the first 24 hours following childbirth. The time immediately following childbirth is a period of high risk for mothers and newborns. Lack of appropriate care during this period could result in significant ill health, disabilities and even deaths. Despite its importance, this is the most neglected time for the provision of quality services in developing countries. Objectives The primary aim of this study was to assess provision of immediate post natal care for postnatal mothers and their newborn babies at Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC) maternity ward. Subjects & Methods There were a total of 806 (571 Spontaneous vaginal and 235 cesarean) deliveries at Jimma University Medical Center maternity ward during the study period. A total of 420 women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were approached and gave consent. A total of 420 postnatal mothers and 37 maternity health workers were included in the study. Consecutive sampling procedure was used. Cross-sectional non participatory observational study was conducted by using structured clinical observation checklists to assess provision of immediate post natal care for postnatal mothers and their newborn babies at Jimma University Medical Center maternity ward. Two sets of structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the mothers and the maternity health care providers. The checklist and questionnaires were prepared based on the World Health Organization recommendations on postnatal care of the mother and newborn Data was collected by two midwives recruited from health providers working at JUMC maternity ward. Prior to the data collection they were familiarized with the questionnaires and the interview guides. Ethical clearance was obtained from Jimma University Medical Center College of medical science. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 20 computer software. Result Adequate immediate post natal care (PNC) was provided for both postnatal mothers and their babies only in 4 (1%) of case. A total of 148 (35.2%) women received all maternal observation components and 2 (0.5%) did not receive any of the components. Only 13 (3%) of the newborns received all components of essential newborn care and 8 (1.9%) of babies did not received any of essential newborn care (ENC) components. Majority of mothers were not advised on danger signs to themselves 263 (62.6%) and their baby 260(61.9%). Similarly majority of mothers were not advised on other maternal care 369 (87.9%) and baby care 403 (96%) components of postnatal care. A total of 26 (70.3%) of maternity health workers (MHW’s) had adequate knowledge towards immediate PNC. Conclusion and recommendations The findings of this study suggest that several aspects of immediate postnatal observation and monitoring of mothers and their newborns need significant improvement. There is also lack of advice, information and counseling given to mothers concerning danger signs to the mother and her baby