Publication:

Knowledge, attitude, and utilization of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana among general population of Bishnupur district: a cross-sectional study

Background Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) provides healthcare to economically vulnerable populations, advancing Universal Health Coverage and supporting the sustainable development goals. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and utilization of AB-PMJAY and to determine the associations between socio-demographic factors and knowledge, as well as between knowledge and attitude towards the scheme.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population of Bishnupur district, Manipur (January 2023 to March 2024), using stratified multistage cluster sampling with proportional allocation. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with a pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression were employed.

Results A total of 444 individuals participated in the study. Of these, 66.2% had heard of AB-PMJAY, of whom only 20.4% had adequate knowledge on AB-PMJAY, while a majority (86%) showed a favourable attitude, and 37.9% had utilized the scheme in the past year. Graduates (aOR: 4.972(2.42-25.42)), married individuals (aOR: 4.041(1.37-11.86)), homemakers (aOR: 4.585(1.44-14.52)), and those with chronically ill family members (aOR: 2.992(1.39-6.42)) had significantly higher odds of adequate knowledge on AB-PMJAY, while those from upper-middle (aOR: 0.241(0.10-0.64)) and middle socio-economic groups (aOR: 0.196(0.060-0.643)) had significantly lower odds compared to the upper class.

Conclusions Despite over half having heard of AB-PMJAY, only two out of ten had adequate knowledge, eight out of ten had a favourable attitude, and four out of ten utilized it. Adequate knowledge was higher among graduates, married individuals, homemakers, and families with chronic illness, and was also significantly associated with a favourable attitude.