Abstract

A STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF ANTENATAL CARE AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN

Dr. Vidya Sarode* and Dr. Pranjali Patil

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Abstract

Background: The maternal health status of Indian women was noted to be lower as compared to other developed countries. Promotion of maternal and child health has been one of the most important components of the Family Welfare Programme of the Government of India. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice on ANC among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pune and their association with various sociodemographic factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 384 pregnant women in their 3rd trimester attending the antenatal clinic in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Pune, Maharashtra during October 2011 to September 2012. Results: Study reveals that about 58% women had adequate knowledge regarding ANC. It was found that almost all the variables such as age, education, occupation, parity, type of family, and socioeconomic status (SES) had a signicant association with awareness about ANC. Conclusion: These ndings can be used to plan a Health Intervention Program aiming to improve the maternal health practices and eventually improve the health status of the women.

Keywords: Antenatal care, Maharashtra, pregnant women, Tertiary Care Hospital.