Knowledge of Post Natal Care among Women of Child Bearing Age Attending Specialist Hospitals in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State

Abstract This study assessed the knowledge of postnatal care among women of childbearing age attending specialist hospitals in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria. Postnatal care, crucial for the health of mothers and newborns, often receives less attention than antenatal care, leading to missed opportunities for preventing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The research employs a survey design to assess the knowledge levels of 380 women regarding postnatal care services, utilizing a self-developed questionnaire that measures various aspects of postnatal care knowledge. The findings indicate a mean knowledge score of 3.7580, significantly higher than the hypothesized constant mean of 2.5, with a t-test value of 52.369 (p < 0.0001). This suggests that women attending specialist hospitals have significant knowledge of postnatal care. Recommendations include implementing community-based education programs and ensuring that healthcare providers offer comprehensive health education on postnatal care. This research contributes to the understanding of maternal health knowledge in Nigeria and highlights the role of specialist hospitals in promoting effective postnatal care practices.