Maternal and child health services utilization in married women of age 15- 45 years.

ABSTRACT

A house-to-house survey was carried out in Edavanakad Panchayat in Ernakulam district of Kerala to study the utilization and satisfaction from the MCH services provided by the Government and private hospitals. In all 92 women of age 15-45 were selected for the study. The use of private hospital for delivery increased with education. Younger women (age <20 years) used equally both the Government and private hospitals. Overall Government hospital was preferred over private. Antenatal practices were very good with 99% of the women having visited a doctor at least 3 times during pregnancy and women who received TT injection (99%) & IFA tablets (98%) respectively were also very good. More housewives used Government services as compared to the workingwomen and found them convenient and satisfying. The further satisfaction in services may be increased by encouraging community participation.