Factors associated with the compliance of recommended first postnatal care services utilization among reproductive age women in Benin Republic: an analysis of 2011/2012 BDHS data

Background: High maternal and neonatal mortality persist in Benin republic. Rates of decline are slow and factors influencing PNC services utilization are not well known. This study aims to assess factors associated with PNC services utilization among mothers and their newborns with special focus on the recommendation 2 of WHO guidelines on postnatal care of the mother and the newborn. Methods: This study analysed Benin’s 2011/2012 DHS data. A total of 16,599 women were interviewed where 8,275 eligible for the present study. Multinomial logistic regression was applied. Results: While 68.42% of mothers and their newborns received at least one PNC visit over postnatal period, the percent of newborns and their mothers with appropriate first PNC check-up was low, 19.95%. Factors explaining PNC uptake were place of residence, ethnic group, occupation, ANC attendance, place of delivery, baby birth size, household wealth status, mass media use, and to a lesser extent education attainment. Accessibility, number of living children followed by the birth order number, and desire for pregnancy appeared to be specific determinants to appropriate first PNC check-up. Mothers who attended more frequently ANC services were more likely to receive PNC check-ups. Mothers who delivered at private health facility were more likely to receive PNC check-ups. Conclusions: To increase the achievement of the recommended WHO PNC frequency, there is a need to: address unmet needs for Family Planning in Benin; to expend health education and counselling to encourage ANC attendance supervise by skilled personnel.