Health Seeking Behaviour and MCH Care Practices in Fishermen Community.

ABSTRACT

Background: All people, whether rural or urban, have their own beliefs and practices concerning health and disease. It is now widely recognized that cultural factors are deeply involved in all affairs of man, including health and sickness. The problem affecting the health of the mother and the child are multi-factorial. Despite current efforts, the health of the mother and the child still constitutes one of the most serious health problems affecting the community, particularly in the developing countries. Objectives: The following study was carried out to find the i) Health seeking behaviour of mother for illnesses in children; ii) Status of antenatal care and postnatal care amongst women of fishermen community. Materials and Methods: Women of fishermen community in the Macchipura area of Khambat falling in the age group of 15-45 and having at least one child in the age group 1-2 year (above 1year and less than 2 years) were selected for the study. Results and Conclusions: A total of 64(87.6 %) mothers would like to go to a doctor in case of medical needs. 22(30.13%) mothers took ANC. All the 22 mothers were given TT injection as well as Iron folic acid tablets. Blood pressure was measured in 21 women and also the weight was taken in these women. 66 (90.41%) deliveries were conducted by trained dai in that area. Antenatal and postnatal care services need to be strengthened for these fisherwomen. The good thing was that a good proportion of mothers were willing to go to a doctor besides having an inclination to practice the traditional ways.