Impairments of Mother’s Postpartum Care Services Provided by Healthcare Workers in Maternal and Pediatric Teaching Hospitals in Raparin Administration in Kurdistan Region /Iraq

Background and Objective: The postpartum period, defined as the first six weeks following childbirth, is critical for both the mother and newborn. It is, however, a neglected aspect of maternal healthcare globally, with nearly half of maternal deaths occurring after childbirth. Inadequate postpartum care can lead to severe health complications. This study aimed to assess the postpartum care provided by healthcare workers to mothers in Maternal and Pediatric Teaching Hospitals within the Raparin Administration, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.Method: A descriptive study was conducted involving 33 healthcare workers from postpartum units in two teaching hospitals in Raparin. Data were collected using a researcher-modified questionnaire and a standardized observational checklist, through direct observation and interviews, between May 26 and July 20, 2022. Interrater reliability was used to ensure consistency in data collection, achieving a reliability score of 0.97.Results: The study revealed significant inadequacies in postpartum care. Healthcare workers provided substandard care, with only a few assessments, such as urine voiding and the use of prophylactic antibiotics, consistently performed within the first 24 hours. However, crucial assessments such as monitoring for excessive bleeding and blood pressure checks were frequently neglected. No physical assessments were conducted beyond the first 24 hours, and discharge counseling was limited to nutritional advice and hygiene practices.Conclusion: The findings indicate that postpartum care in the studied hospitals is inadequate, with healthcare workers neglecting essential care practices beyond the first 24 hours. Comprehensive training programs and increased staffing are recommended to improve the quality of postpartum care and ensure better health outcomes for mothers.