Prevalent characteristics of a community regarding maternal and child health: a base line study

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted by Mother and Child Welfare Association Faisalabad [MCW AF] before launching a mother and child health programme in two slum areas of the city in 1993. It was found that out of 2080 parous women who were included in the study only 92 [4.4%] were presently practicing family planning whereas only 325 [15.6%] practiced. it previously. 1720 [82.71%] were uneducated, only 154 [7.4%] had primary education and 206 [9.9%] had secondary education. Majority of these women i.e., 1079 [51.9%] were grand multipara and most of the primigravidas 1954 [93.9%] were delivered by TBAs. Exclusive breast feeding was quite commonly practiced and full immunization of the first child was carried out in [47.1%] cases. Early marriage trend was predominant with most i.e., 1728 183.2%] got married between the age of 16-20 years, few i.e., 214 [9.8%] between 21.25 years and fewer i.e., 140 [6.7%] between 12-15 years of age