Publication:

Utilization of antenatal care services in tribal area of Madhya Pradesh: a community based cross sectional study

Background As part of the Sustainable Development Goal 3, the target is to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100 000 live births globally by 2030. Antenatal care (ANC) is an important determinant of maternal mortality and ANC visit is an important component of maternal health care. This study was carried out to assess the utilization of antenatal care services and to understand the factors associated with utilization of antenatal care services in tribal area of Madhya Pradesh.

Methods Community based cross-sectional study carried in tribal dominated district of Madhya Pradesh. A total of 210 mothers who delivered in last one year were selected for study by cluster sampling technique and mothers were interviewed using structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent.

Results Present study 94.8% antenatal mothers registered and received at least one antenatal check-up and 51.4% mother were registered during first trimester while only 43.4% mothers received four or more ANC visits. Completely utilization of ANC services was found in 39.5% mother. Education of the mother, occupation of mother, income, education of the husband, knowledge of mother about the needs of antenatal care and early ANC registration were found to be significant factors associated with full utilization of ANC services.

Conclusions This study revealed that education of mother and knowledge of mother about the needs of ANC were important contributing factors associated with full utilization of ANC services in tribal area. The education is related with the economic status, awareness of mother about utilization health services, empowerment and decisions making capacity of mothers.