Title: Utilization of maternal and child health services in rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

POPLINE Document Number: 076207

Author(s):

Kaul P

Source citation:

NURSING JOURNAL OF INDIA, 1991 Sep;82(9):254-7.

Abstract:

Researchers analyzed data on 100 14-45 year old mothers who had a child whose age was 0-3 years old and lived in Gurihaker village in Zachaldara block in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir in India to determine use of maternal and child health care (MCH) services, their perception of needing these services, and the relationship between MCH utilization and social, economic, and demographic factors. 68 had 1-3 children. Only 57 registered with a health facility, mainly primary health centers (26), during their last pregnancy. Most (30) registered during the 4th-6th month of pregnancy. 56.14% of registered mothers visited the facility >4 times. The major reason for visiting the facility was problems (87.72%). 60 mothers were not vaccinated against tetanus. Only 15% of the 40 who did receive the tetanus toxoid received 2 doses. Just 54 took iron/folic acid tablets. Only 13 went to a facility for postpartum follow up; 8 went to a private practitioner. 84% gave birth to their child a home. A traditional birth attendant (dai) were present for all home births. The leading reasons for delivering at home were tradition (79.76%), no obstetric problems (75%), family demanded a home delivery (61.9%), convenience (48.8%), and high hospital costs (48.85%). Reasons for having a dai present included tradition (77.38%), family preferences (65.47%), privacy (60.71%), and less expensive (47.61%). Only 18 children did not receive any vaccinations. 29 used family planning methods especially female sterilization (10) and copper T IUD (7). 61 believed they need prenatal services. 78 perceived the need for intranatal care. 70 and 80 expressed the need for child care/immunization and family planning, respectively. Women of the high socioeconomic group, 15-29 years old, and with <3 children were more likely to adequately use prenatal care. These results highlighted the need to develop a strong health education program using the mass media, recruiting more female health guides than male, and training dais in MCH services.

Keywords:

India
Methodological Studies
Surveys
Interviews
Maternal-Child Health Services
Rural Population
Antenatal Care
Immunization
Tetanus
Childbirth
Midwives and Midwifery
Contraceptive Usage
Perception
Needs
Health Education
Mass Media
Asia, Southern
Asia
Developing Countries
Sampling Studies
Studies
Research Methodology
Data Collection
Primary Health Care
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Maternal Health Services
Infections
Diseases
Pregnancy Outcomes
Pregnancy
Reproduction
Health Personnel
Contraception
Family Planning
Psychological Factors
Behavior
Economic Factors
Education
Communication