Postnatal Care in Rural Egypt: Perspectives of Women and Health Care Providers

Abstract

Objectives: Postnatal care (PNC) is an essential component of maternal care program. However, gap exists between high coverage with antenatal and natal care and low coverage with PNC in Egypt. Consequently, the current study was conducted to explore pattern of early PNC (after first day following delivery) among rural mothers. Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study was done in four Primary Health Care (PHC) centers related to one district in rural Egypt. Mothers who had delivered in the previous year were invited to a structured exit interview. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were done with mothers and health care providers (HCPs). Results: Out of the total mothers (n=600), 34.2% received PNC. Multivariate analysis showed that low family income was a significant negative predictor for receiving PNC (P=0.000), while utilization of ANC (P=0.00), delivery at public (P=0.004) or private health facility (P=0.00) were significant positive predictors for receiving PNC. Qualitative data identified barriers for seeking PNC as shortage in HCPs, especially nurses, poor communication by HCPs, mothers perceived HCPs as incompetent in PNC service delivery. Lack of knowledge among women about the importance of PNC and unavailability of female physicians formed social barriers. Conclusion: Inadequate knowledge about the importance and components of PNC among service providers and served community reduces the demand for PNC.