UTILIZATION OF POSTNATAL CARE SERVICES AMONG RURAL MOTHERS IN BANGLADESH

This article explores the utilization of postnatal care services among the rural mothers in Bangladesh. The data were used from a baseline household survey evaluating the impact of demand side financing (DSF) voucher scheme on utilization and service delivery for maternal health care services. The survey was conducted in 22 sub-districts among 3300 women who gave birth in the previous year from the date of data collection. Only one-fifth of the respondents reported having a postnatal check-up during their last pregnancy and half of them visited facility, while half received services at home. Less than one-fourth (24%) women received care within 48 hours of giving birth. Lack of awareness (56%) was the main barrier to the utilization of postnatal care. The woman's delivery place, delivery type, antenatal care visits were significantly associated with the utilization of postnatal care services. Use of postnatal care service was also varied by women’s age, education, decision making, wealth quintiles, number of children, etc. The study suggested there is a dire need for promotional programs of maternal services which include postnatal care services like in the DSF scheme. With the right types of interventions, maternal health-related MDG may not be very difficult to achieve.