Background and objectives: Maternal as well as infant mortality is high in Bangladesh. Utilization of post natal care (PNC) services is important to reduce maternal and infant mortality. Considering this matter, this study attempted to find out the level of PNC utilization by women living in slum areas of Dhaka city as well as to identify the factors associated with the utilization of PNC services.

Methods: This study was conducted in Khilgaon and Rampura slums of Dhaka city. In each slum, women aged between 15-49 years who had given birth to at least one child were enrolled in the study by random sampling technique. Participants were interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire which included information on socio-economic, demographic, cultural status as well as information on PNC service utilization.

Results: Out of total 360 enrolled women in both slums, 58.6% utilized PNC services. The rate of utilization of PNC services was 55% and 62.2% in Khilgaon and Rampura slum respectively. Compared to 40-49 years age group, significantly (p<0.01) higher percentage of women aged <20, 20-29 and 30-39 years utilized PNC services (69.6%, 67.0% and 56.4% respectively). The significant associates of receiver of PNC were respondent’s education, number of antenatal care (ANC) received, level of tetanus vaccination, place of delivery, distance between home and clinic, mass media exposure, male participation and autonomy.

Conclusion: Local socioeconomic and cultural aspects should be considered while planning intervention program to improve the utilization of PNC service.

IMC J Med Sci 2019; 13(2): 009. EPub date: 18 January 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/imcjms.v13i2.45287

Address for Correspondence: Dr. Nilufar Yeasmin Nili, Medical Officer, Department of General Surgery, Mugda Medical College & Hospital, Mugda, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Email: [email protected]