Investigating the individual and contextual factors associated with non-use of newborn postnatal care in Eswatini

Boipelo A. Tlalang, Lungisile Shange, Mluleki Tsawe

Abstract

Postnatal care is among the most important maternal and child healthcare interventions for reducing maternal and child mortality. Despite efforts to increase the uptake of maternal and child health services, Eswatini is among the countries with the highest prevalence of non-use of newborn postnatal care. This study investigated the individual and contextual factors associated with non-use of newborn postnatal care in Eswatini using secondary data from the 2021-22 Eswatini Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey. A two-level logistic regression modelling approach was used. The prevalence of non-use of newborn postnatal care was 50.6%. Newborns delivered in a health facility and those residing in the Manzini and Shiselweni regions had higher odds of non-use of newborn postnatal care. The study highlights a need to improve regional access to maternal healthcare services as well as the continuum of care between facility births and newborn postnatal care in Eswatini.

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