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Malawi Medical Journal
College of Medicine, University of Malawi and Medical Association of Malawi
ISSN: 1995-7262
Vol. 31, No. 2, 2019, pp. 164-168
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Bioline Code: mm19030
Full paper language: English
Document type: Special Article
Document available free of charge
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Malawi Medical Journal, Vol. 31, No. 2, 2019, pp. 164-168
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An evidence-based policy brief: improving the quality of postnatal care in mothers 48 hours after childbirth
Sakala, Betty & Chirwa, Ellen
Abstract
Introduction
Malawi is experiencing slow progress in postnatal care of mothers within the first 48 hours after
childbirth. Malawi Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS) 2015-16 reported a slow progress in postnatal care of mothers in the
first 48 hours at 42% from 41% in 2010 despite a high number of institutional births. This is a critical period as a large proportion of
maternal deaths occur during this period, currently at 439 per 100,000 live births. During postnatal care the mother is given important
information to assist in caring for herself and her baby. The lack of well documented guidelines and funding to employ more midwives
to manage mothers in postnatal ward contributes to poor quality of postnatal care.
Methods
This is an evidence-based policy brief that was prepared to inform policy makers, health workers, clients, community and other
stakeholders to consider the available evidence about the impact of the suggested options in order to improve postnatal care.
Results
Several factors that contribute to low utilization of postnatal care among mothers after childbirth were identified. Factors included lack
of clear guidelines on postnatal care, shortage of skilled health workers and inadequate resources.
Conclusion
Implementation of the identified policy options may improve postnatal care.
Keywords
Policy brief; postnatal care; evidence-based; policy options; guidelines; skilled health workers
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© Copyright 2019 - The College of Medicine and the Medical Association of Malawi Alternative site location: http://revista.uft.edu.br/index.php/jbb/index
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