TITLE:
Determinants of Non-Use of Postnatal Consultation Services in Urban Areas in Cotonou, Benin: A Qualitative Exploratory Study
AUTHORS:
Augustine Mevo, Moufalilou Aboubacar, Olarewadjou Richard Biaou Boni, Cyriaque Affoukou, Bérénice Bignon Dossa, Badirou Aguemon
KEYWORDS:
Postnatal Care, Maternal Health, Neonatal Health, Urban Areas, Benin
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.14 No.6,
June
29,
2026
ABSTRACT: This qualitative study explored the determinants of non-use of postnatal consultation (PNC) services among women living in urban areas of Cotonou, Benin, despite the high availability of health facilities. Data were collected in March 2025 through individual interviews with midwives, community leaders, and postpartum women, selected purposively and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Three main themes emerged: lack of information and misconceptions about the importance of PNC, socioeconomic constraints including fears of direct and indirect costs and competing family responsibilities, and sociocultural and organizational factors such as family influence and perceived quality of care. The findings show that many women underestimate postnatal risks when childbirth appears uneventful, while financial barriers, distance, and everyday obligations further limit their attendance. Social norms and the attitudes of husbands and mothers-in-law also shape decision-making about seeking care. The study suggests strengthening health education, involving families and community leaders, improving collaboration between health providers and community health workers, and implementing reminder strategies and home visits to increase the use of PNC services and contribute to reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in urban Benin.