Awareness and Utilization of Reproductive and Child Health Services among Married Women

Maternal and child health services form the backbone of any welfare state. The present study investigated the Awareness and Utilization of Reproductive and Child Health services ? a flagship program of Govt. of India in the arena of maternal and child health services, among married women. A quantitative research design was used for the study. The study was theoretically supported by Pender?s health promotion model. A total of 213 married women, were selected for the study using multi stage random sampling technique. The data were collected using socio personal data sheet, structured questionnaire, rating scale and check list. The study results revealed that majority (76.5%) of married women had average awareness about RCH services. It also found out that 4.7 % of participants had good awareness and 18.8 % of the married women had poor awareness regarding Reproductive and Child Health services. The study shows that majority (89.2%) of married women had good utilization of Reproductive and Child Health services and 10.8% had poor utilization. The study findings also identified the major reasons for non-utilization of RCH services i.e. precious pregnancy, reluctance to choose Govt. facility, previous experience with the attitude of health workers etc. The researcher has prepared an information booklet and it was given to each married women who participated in the study.