Asian Journal of Research in Medicine and Medical Science

Postnatal care (PNC) is a critical component of the maternal-newborn health continuum, yet its utilisation remains suboptimal in many Nigerian settings. This study examined socioeconomic determinants of PNC service utilisation among women in Umuahia, Abia State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The study involved 332 postpartum women aged 18–49 years who had delivered within the preceding 12 months and were recruited from four public health facilities in Umuahia North and Umuahia South Local Government Areas through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire with a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.82. Descriptive statistics and independent-samples t-tests were used for analysis, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Most respondents were aged 26–35 years (44.6%), married (71.7%) and had secondary education (42.2%). The findings showed that sociodemographic factors (grand mean = 3.06), economic factors (grand mean = 3.12), sociocultural factors (grand mean = 3.05), knowledge-related factors (grand mean = 3.12) and health system factors (grand mean = 3.12) influenced PNC service utilisation. Hypothesis testing indicated statistically significant associations between PNC utilisation and sociodemographic factors (t = 2.41, p = 0.02), economic factors (t = 2.58, p = 0.01), sociocultural factors (t = 2.21, p = 0.03), knowledge (t = 3.10, p < 0.001) and health system factors (t = 2.88, p < 0.001). The study concludes that PNC utilisation in Umuahia is shaped by interrelated individual, household, cultural, economic and service-delivery factors. Strengthening maternal health education, reducing financial barriers, improving respectful care and engaging families and communities may support improved uptake of PNC services.