Client satisfaction with existing postnatal care and associated factors: A study among mothers in Awi Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND

The majority of maternal and neonatal adverse events take place during the postnatal period. However, it is the most neglected period for the provision of quality care.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study among mothers in the Awi Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia, was to assess client satisfaction with existing postnatal care and associated factors.

METHODS

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Awi Zone hospitals from 1 to 30 April 2018. A total of 422 post-partum mothers were selected by systematic sampling. The data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire via a face-to-face interview. Data entry and analysis were completed using EpiData version 3.1 and SPSS version 22, respectively. The data were summarized with frequency and cross-tabulation. Both binary and multiple logistic regressions were used to identify predictor variables using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULT: The prevalence of postnatal care satisfaction was 63%. Being from urban area (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI = (1.11-3.99)), having a history of antenatal care follow up (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI = (1.23-1.64)), spontaneous vaginal birth (AOR = 3.14, 95% CI = (1.77-3.28)), and those who did not face any complications during birth (AOR = 2.90, 95% CI = (1.47-1.69)) were some of the factors associated with client satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

According to the results of this study, the majority of mothers were satisfied with post-partum care services. The study findings indicate that maternal satisfaction on post-partum care is mainly affected by residency, antenatal care follow up, mode of delivery, and complications during birth. Therefore, health care providers and other concerned bodies should give special attention to those mothers who are from rural areas, who face complications during birth or who have instrumental-assisted or cesarean section birth. Also, every pregnant mother should be supported to have at least four regular antenatal care visits.