Maternal age and parity associated with postpartum care visit compliance

Abstract

Background: The postpartum period is a critical phase requiring continuous maternal healthcare to facilitate the early detection and management of postpartum complications. In Sintang Regency, the coverage of complete postpartum care visits decreased from 80.4% in 2023 to 78.9% in 2025. The implementation of Integrated Primary Health Care (PHC) is expected to strengthen continuity of maternal healthcare through integrated and community-based services. However, individual maternal characteristics may influence compliance with recommended postpartum care visits.

Purpose: To analyze the association between maternal age and parity and compliance with postpartum care visits during the implementation of Integrated Primary Health Care (PHC).

Method: This study employed a quantitative analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. The study population consisted of 206 postpartum mothers who received postpartum care services in the working area of Sungai Durian Community Health Center from January to December 2025. Total sampling was used, and data collection was conducted from May to June 2026. The data were analyzed using bivariate analysis with a significance level of 0.05.

Results: Of the 206 respondents, 80 (38.8%) were classified as compliant and 126 (61.2%) as non-compliant with postpartum care visits. The mean maternal age was 30.1 ± 8.7 years, with a range of 19–36 years. Respondents aged <20 years, 20–35 years, and >35 years accounted for 22.8%, 27.7%, and 49.5%, respectively. The respondents consisted of 37.9% primiparous, 36.4% multiparous, and 25.7% grand multiparous mothers. Maternal age was significantly associated with compliance with postpartum care visits (p < 0.001). Parity was also significantly associated with compliance with postpartum care visits (p = 0.009).

Conclusion: Maternal age and parity were significantly associated with compliance with postpartum care visits during the implementation of Integrated Primary Health Care. Strengthening community-based monitoring and providing age- and parity-sensitive education may support improved continuity of postpartum care.

Suggestion: Sungai Durian Community Health Center should strengthen coordination within Cluster 2 (Maternal and Child Health) and optimize community-based territorial monitoring to facilitate timely scheduling, reminders, and follow-up of postpartum care visits