Knowledge and Attitude of Mothers towards MCH Services Provided by the Primary Health Centers

Two thirds of India's population is comprised of mothers and children. Mothers and children constitute a priority group as they are the major consumers of health services. Maternal and child health (MCH) services form one of the important components of Public health services provided through primary health centers. They play an important role in the prevention of maternal and infant mortality rates. However, MCH services are underutilized due to ignorance and unawareness among the primary group.

Objectives

* To assess the knowledge and attitude of mothers regarding MCH services provided at PHCs.

* To associate the knowledge and attitude of mothers on MCH services with that of their demographic variables.

Methods

Descriptive research design was used for the study. 30 mothers between 18-45 years were selected conveniently from urban slums of Hyderabad. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Major findings of the study

* Results revealed that 57% of the mothers had average knowledge and only 20% had adequate Knowledge on MCH services.

* Only 3% of the mothers had positive attitude on MCH services, 13% had negative attitude and 53% had neutral attitude on MCH services.

* It was found that there was a significant association between level of knowledge and education of mothers. The study also revealed that age, education and economic status of the mother influenced their attitude on MCH services.

Conclusion

Mothers are not having adequate knowledge and positive attitude towards MCH services. It is very important to educate the public about MCH services in order to promote the utilization these of services.