Abstract

Postnatal care is regarded as one of the most important maternal health care services for
the prevention of impairment and disabilities resulting from the childbirth. Postnatal
services refers to measures undertaken after birth to ensure good health of the
mother and child. Postnatal refers to the period immediately after birth up to six weeks.
The main objective of this study was to identify the factors contributing to low utilization
of postnatal services by mothers at Mwizi health Centre III. A descriptive and crosssectional
design was employed and 50 respondents were selected using simple and random
sampling procedure. Data was collected using an interview guide. Results were analysed
using tables graphs and pie charts. Majority of the respondents had some knowledge about
the postnatal services offered and had delivered their babies from home/TBAs.
Respondents faced various individual factors like lack of transport to the health centre and
failure of their partners to encourage them to attend postnatal clinics. Respondents also
faced various institutional factors contributing to low utilization of postnatal services such
as long waiting hours at the postnatal clinic, long distance from the health centre and
inadequate sensitization of mothers by health workers about the importance of postnatal
services. In conclusion, the researcher noted although respondents were knowledgeable
about some aspects of postnatal services they faced various factors which contributed to low utilization of postnatal services. There is need therefore for more sensitization and health education of mothers on the importance of ensuring the use of postnatal services