Comparison of Home-Based to Health Facility-Based Postnatal Care

Abstract

ABSTRACT The early postpartum period is considered a valuable time for the mother and newborns. Provision of quality care is essential during this period. Post-natal care (PNC) is an important opportunity for assessing the mother's and new-born health. This study aims to compare home-based and health facility-based postnatal care. Community-based cross sectional mixed method research design with random sampling was adopted to select 104 samples; 52 each from home-based and health facility-based settings. A researcher-designed semi-structured interview schedule was used with four major areas; socio-demographic, maternal and neonatal services, satisfaction level, and incurred expenses. Cronbach’s alpha of 12 items satisfaction level questionnaire was 0.80. Odds ratio, chi-square test, independent t-test, and Mann-Whitney U-test were computed to see the association of maternal and neonatal services with post-natal care visits. Maternal and neonatal services utilization was found higher in home-based PNCs as compared to health facility-based PNCs. Maternal and neonatal services including eye check-ups (OR:0.35, CI: 0.15-0.81, p=0.013), breast examination (OR:0.40, CI: 0.17-0.94, p=0.034), calcium taken (OR:0.28, CI: 0.08-0.93, p=0.030), baby temperature measured (OR:0.40, CI: 0.18-0.90, p=0.026), baby bath (OR: 2.10, CI: 1.79-2.59, p=0.022) and BCG immunization (OR:0.24, CI: 0.08-0.72, p=0.007) were found statistically significant with PNC visit. Overall satisfaction of postnatal mothers in home-based settings was higher as compared to health facility-based settings. There was a significant difference in 6 out of 12 satisfaction parameters. There was a statistically significant difference (x2=21.67, p=<0.001) in the time spent by postnatal mothers on PNC visits. Overall expenses during health facility visits seem to hike more than in home-based visits. The home-based service delivery approach is found applicable in improving maternal and newborn health services.