Postnatal Care Service Utilization and Its Determinants in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: A Mixed-Method Study

Background: The days and weeks after childbirth are crucial for both the mother and her newborn child leading for the majority of maternal and perinatal mortalities. However, postnatal care utilization remains low worldwide. The World Health Organization recommends at least three postnatal visits within 42 days after birth. This study aimed to assess the barriers to postnatal care service utilization in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based, mixed type cross-sectional study was conducted from December 15, 2018, to February 15, 2019. The quantitative data was gathered using the interviewer-administered interviewing technique from 751 women, selected by multistage sampling. The qualitative data were collected from purposively sampled women, facility leaders, and health extension workers using