Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Pregnancy and Post-Partum Care among Rural and Tribal Women

One neglected area of research is the role of traditional beliefs in pregnant and post-partum practices in women reproductive care which is addressed through this study. Seventy five pregnant and seventy five post-partum women from five villages of Madukkarai block in Coimbatore were randomly selected for this study. Data collection was done by interview schedule method using a pre tested questionnaire. The results revealed their ethnic traditional knowledge treasure which they possessed. In spite of their traditional knowledge 50 percent and 57.14 percent of women were not aware of the scientific role and importance of iron and folic acid during pregnancy and about regular vaccines respectively. Around 66.67 percent of women feed the babies as long as it needs and 35.71 percent were not aware of the impact of not breast feeding the baby. Their daily nutritional requirements do not seem to meet their RDA due to lack of awareness or due to unavailability of affordable foods to meet their nutritional needs especially fruits and milk. Identifying the factors associated with traditional pregnant and postpartum practices is critical to develop better targeting health education programs.