Importance: In 2019, Nigeria had the largest number of under-5 child deaths globally and many of these deaths occurred within the first week of life. The World Health Organization recommends infant postnatal care (PNC) attendance to support newborn survival; however, utilization of PNC is known to be low in many contexts.
Objective: This study examined coverage and individual-level determinants of infant PNC attendance in Nigeria.
Methods: Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) 2018 data were used to evaluate infant PNC coverage and determinants. Infant PNC was defined as receipt of care within 2 days of birth. Children delivered up to 2 years before the 2018 NDHS were included. We examined predictors of infant PNC with modified Poisson regression models to estimate relative risks (RRs).
Results: The national coverage of infant PNC was 37.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 35.8%-38.7%). Significant heterogeneity in PNC attendance existed at state and regional levels. Facility delivery was strongly associated with the uptake of PNC (RR: 6.07; 95% CI: 5.60-6.58). Greater maternal education, maternal employment, urban residence, female head of household, and greater wealth were also associated with an increased likelihood of PNC visits.
Interpretation: The uptake of infant PNC is low and interventions are urgently needed to promote equity in access and increase demand for PNC in Nigeria.
Keywords: Coverage; Determinants; Epidemiology; Infant postnatal care; Nigeria.
© 2024 Chinese Medical Association. Pediatric Investigation published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Futang Research Center of Pediatric Development.