Utilization of Postnatal Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perception and Intents of Postpartum Women at Tertiary Health Facility in Southwest, Nigeria

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic took the world unawares and disrupted maternal health care services. This study assessed postnatal care (PNC) utilization, perception, and intent of postpartum women to use PNC. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic over a 2-months period. Inclusion criteria—consenting women, aged ≥18years, and delivery at the study site; 115 women were selected by simple random sampling technique. The information included sociodemographic, obstetric characteristics, perceived effects of COVID-19 on maternal healthcare, and willingness to return for PNC using pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaires. The maternal healthcare register was also reviewed for the proportion of women accessing services before and during the pandemic. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package and Service Solutions (SPSS) Version 23. The total No. of deliveries and PNC attendance/month was reduced. Respondents were multiparous women (61.7%), with no pregnancy complication (73.9%). About 93% were counseled on PNC; while only 47.8% of the respondents had good knowledge of PNC. The pandemic affected antenatal care in 25.2%, 7.8% perceived it would affect PNC, 62.6% perceived themselves at risk of COVID-19; 13.9% had fears of coming for PNC. Despite this, more than 75% were willing to come for PNC. COVID-19 affected the use of maternal healthcare. Counseling on the role and benefits of PNC can improve its use.