Utilization of Antenatal Care Package among Women of Urban Slums

Abstract

Background: Antenatal period is an essential phase in shaping health care of the nation. Complete antenatal

package includes minimum of three antenatal visits, two tetanus toxoid injections during the pregnancy, or

received one tetanus toxoid injection during the pregnancy and at least one in the three years prior to the

pregnancy, and received iron and folic acid tablets for 100 days. Utilization of complete antenatal package is

pivotal for every pregnant woman and is influenced by socio-demographic factors. Objectives: To study the

pattern of utilization of antenatal care package and factors influencing it among pregnant women of urban

slums. Methods: Cross sectional study was done and data was collected by house to house survey after taking

consent, using a pre-designed and pre-tested proforma. Results: Majority of 40.44% were in the age group

of 18-25 years, 36.89% had completed primary education and 53.78% belonged to lower socioeconomic

class. 39.56% women had availed the complete ANC package. Primigravida, literates and homemakers had

utilized complete ANC package more effectively. (p<0.05) Utilization of the complete ANC package was

less among lower socioeconomic status women and labourers. Conclusion: Though women had undergone

antenatal visits regularly but there was disparity in utilizing the complete ANC package, which should be

focussed and emphasized on a larger perspective so as to build a healthy motherhood.