Journal of Gynecology and Reproductive Health
ISSN: 2574-2728 | DOI: 10.64030/2574-2728
Habtamu Girma, Gesila Endashaw, Tegegn Mulatu, Bitew Mekonen and Dessalegn Daishole
Objective: This study aimed to assess the magnitude of early postnatal home visits and identify factors associated with early postnatal care among mothers who delivered within the past six months in Data District, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.
Design: A community-based cross-sectional study. Setting: The study was conducted in Data District, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, from August 1–30, 2024.
Population or Sample: A total of 464 mothers who had given birth in the previous six months were selected using a multistage sampling technique.
Methods: Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data entry and analysis were performed using SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with early postnatal home visits by Health Extension Workers (HEWs), with statistical significance declared at p < 0.05.
Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome was the coverage of early postnatal home visits, defined as receiving at least one home visit by a Health Extension Worker between 24 hours and 7 days postpartum, and associated maternal, household, and service-related factors.
Results: The magnitude of early postnatal home visits was 17.8% (95% CI: 14.3%–21.1%). Factors significantly associated with receiving an early postnatal home visit included living within 30 minutes of a health post (AOR = 3.82, 95% CI: 1.94–7.55), being from a model family household (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.17–5.16), attending antenatal care (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.22–6.82), delivering in a health facility (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.18–3.94), and having a cesarean or instrumental delivery (AOR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.27–8.74).
Conclusions: Early postnatal home visit coverage in Data District remains low. Strengthening health extension services, improving access in remote areas, enhancing antenatal care awareness, promoting institutional delivery, and ensuring targeted follow-up for assisted births are crucial for improving early postnatal care utilization in Southern Ethiopia.