Determinants of Postnatal Care Utilization Among Mothers in Degahbour District, Somali Region, Ethiopia: A Community‐Based Cross‐Sectional Study

Background Postnatal care (PNC) refers to the care provided to women and their newborns during the first 42 days after birth. Insufficient care during this critical period can lead to severe health outcomes, including disability or death. Despite its crucial role in enhancing maternal and neonatal health, PNC services remain underutilized in Ethiopia, with limited evidence available regarding their use in the Somali Region. Therefore, this study is aimed at evaluating the magnitude of PNC service utilization and identify the factors influencing it among women who gave birth in the past 6 months in Degahbour District, Somali Region, Ethiopia. Methods A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among 403 mothers in the Degahbour District. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, structured questionnaire, entered into EpiData Version 4.6, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26. A logistic regression model was applied, and statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05. Result The magnitude of PNC service utilization was 40.2% (95% CI: 35.0, 44.9). Significant factors associated with PNC utilization included complications experienced during delivery (AOR: 3.93; 95% CI: [2.33, 6.64]), higher educational attainment (secondary level or above) (AOR: 3.45; 95% CI: [1.61, 7.37]), attending antenatal care (ANC) during the last pregnancy (AOR: 3.36; 95% CI: [2.04, 5.54]), maternal autonomy in healthcare decision‐making (AOR: 2.23; 95% CI: [1.39, 3.57]), place of delivery (AOR: 1.97; 95% CI: [1.20, 3.24]), and awareness of PNC (AOR: 1.83; 95% CI: [1.14, 2.92]). Conclusion The utilization of PNC services was found to be low. Enhancing awareness about PNC, promoting ANC visits, and encouraging institutional deliveries are critical steps to improve PNC service utilization.