# Variations in Postnatal Care (PNC) Interventions Provided to Newborns in Health Facilities Across Kakamega County, Western Kenya

## TL;DR

This study examines how well health facilities in Kakamega County, Kenya, provide essential newborn care during postnatal visits.

## Contribution

The study identifies variations in the delivery of essential newborn care across scheduled postnatal visits in a specific Kenyan county.

## Key findings

- The overall mean provision of expected newborn interventions across four visits was 57.82%.
- Provision was highest at the first visit and declined at 2 to 4 weeks before slightly improving at 4 to 6 weeks.
- Gaps in care delivery, especially in physical examinations, were identified, suggesting a need for training and resource allocation.

## Abstract

Neonatal mortality remains high globally, with Kenya reporting a rate of 20 deaths per 1,000 live births. Essential Newborn Care (ENC) is crucial for preventing neonatal deaths, yet the provision of this care for the newborns is varied.

This cross-sectional analytical study evaluated the provision of PNC-ENC across four scheduled visits in Kakamega County, Kenya. Data were collected from 325 mothers through structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including ANOVA, were used to assess care provision.

The overall mean provision of expected newborn interventions across the four visits was 57.82%. Provision was highest at the first visit (59.55%), declined at 2 to 4 weeks (55.16%), improved at 4 to 6 weeks (59.06%), and slightly declined at 4 to 6 months (57.50%).

This study highlights gaps in the delivery of essential newborn care, particularly in physical examinations. Targeted interventions, including training and resource allocation, are recommended to improve provision to PNC care interventions and reduce neonatal mortality.