Publication:

Barriers in utilization of maternal and child health services among Musahar in Dudhauli Municipality of Sindhuli district, Nepal

Background Maternal and Child Health remains a public health challenge in Nepal. This study explored information regarding barriers in the utilization of Maternal and Child Health services among women of Musahar community.

Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in Dudhauli Municipality, Sindhuli using qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative data were obtained from, In Depth Interview among health workers and a Focus Group Discussion among FCHVs of Musahar community. Interview was carried out using questionnaire for quantitative study among 121 mothers of under 5 children. The data was analyzed using SPSS software version 21. Chi Square test was applied to test the associations while p value 60% in case of PNC. Home delivery for first child was 56.2% while for last child was 33.9%. Almost 1/5th of the children were not vaccinated. Qualitative study identified social factors like negligence, family pressure, shyness, and unhealthy financial decisions as important barriers.

Conclusions Utilization of maternal and child health services was poor among Musahar mothers and children which indicates a serious public health concern.