Knowledge and Utilization Practices of Reproductive and Child Health Services among Mothers

Abstract

Background of The Study: Reproductive health is a crucial part of general health and a central feature of human development. More than three quarters of the population of our country live in rural areas. Maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity continue to be high despite the existence of national programs for improving maternal and child health (MCH) in India. This could be related to several factors, an important one being non-utilization or under-utilization of maternal health-care services, especially amongst the rural poor and urban slum population due to either lack of knowledge or access to health-care services. Objectives 1. To assess the knowledge regarding reproductive and child health care services among mothers 2. To identify the factors influencing utilization of reproductive and child health care services 3. To assess utilization of reproductive and child health care services among mothers. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in Muthukur, rural village at Nellore District. A sample size of 40 women with infants were selected by simple random technique by means of lottery method. Structured Questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and the utilization of RCH services. Results: The study shows that majority of them ie 90% have inadequate knowledge and 10% have average knowledge regarding RCH services. 67.5 % had Knowledge regarding registration of pregnancy at I trimester, 42.5% had minimum no of antenatal checkups required,60%had knowledge about iron & folic acid, 57.5 % had about TT immunization and 50% had knowledge about Tests done during pregnancy. With regard to utilization 40% attended 3 ANCs,75% registered at I trimester, majority attended ANC at PHC,100% received iron and folic acid and 67.5% received 2 doses of TT and 47.5% had 2 Postnatal checkups and 100% coverage of immunization for the infants. Conclusion: Majority of the mothers utilized PHC for immunization and antenatal services. Utilization of RCH services has not reached the desired level.