Postnatal care (PNC) is critical for the survival of newborns. In Zambia, despite emphasis on PNC
by the government and international organizations, PNC coverage continues to be low. This study
assessed the demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with newborns’ receipt of PNC
and the timing of first PNC in Zambia. Based on data from the 2013-14 Zambia Demographic and
Health Survey (ZDHS), this study used bivariate, binary, and multinomial logistic regression
analyses to examine PNC for births at home and at health facilities. The results indicate different
factors associated with PNC and timing at which newborns receive their first PNC between births
delivered at home and at health facilities. For home births, perceived child size at birth by mothers,
region of residence, access or exposure to media, and mothers’ numbers of ANC visits are the
major determinants of PNC. Regarding timing of first PNC within 2 days of childbirth, among
newborns delivered at home the major determinants are perceived child size at birth by mothers,
region of residence, mothers’ access to media, and number of ANC visits. In contrast, among
newborns delivered in a facility, perceived size at birth, region of residence, and mothers’
employment status are the only factors associated with receiving PNC within the first 2 days.
Therefore, recommendation is made to encourage delivery in a health facility, to emphasize the
importance of ANC visits, and to disseminate information through various media and innovative
programs such as Information Education and Communication (IEC).