Regular Antenatal Care Visits Predict Good Knowledge Among Post-natal Mothers Regarding Entitlements of Health Programs in Western India

Janani-Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) and Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) were launched with the objective of increasing institutional deliveries. But, its knowledge among the post-natal mothers is not known. This research evaluated the knowledge of two national health programs among post-natal mothers and found out the predictors of good knowledge about the entitlements of these programs. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of consecutively recruited ۳۳۹ post-natal mothers who had delivered in a tertiary care hospital of western India. Data were collected from November ۲۰۱۶ to February ۲۰۱۷ by interview method using a questionnaire with questions about knowledge regarding the entitlements of JSSK and JSY. Multivariable analysis was carried out for predictors of good knowledge. Among the ۳۳۹ post-natal mothers, ۳۰% had a good knowledge regarding JSSK. Only ۲۴% had heard about JSSK; ۵۴% knew regarding free transport to the place of delivery; only ۲۲% and ۱۳%, respectively knew about free inter-facility transport in case of complications for pregnant women and sick infants, while ۹۶% knew regarding free drop-back facility. Only one-fourth of the mothers knew regarding monetary benefit under JSY, while ۲۸% of them had actually received the benefit. The number of antenatal care visits, having an occupation and belonging to Hindu religion significantly predicts good knowledge among postnatal mothers regarding JSSK. Knowledge among the post-natal mothers regarding the entitlements of JSSK and JSY is less while comparing with published literature and needs improvement. Regular ante-natal care (ANC) visits might improve their knowledge of these programs. There is a need to create awareness among hospital staff for the provision of reimbursement of costs incurred by post-natal mothers. There is also a need to carry out demand generation activities among mothers regarding the entitlements of JSSK and JSY.

Keywords:

Antenatal Care , Knowledge , Janani-Shishu Suraksha Karyakram , Janani Suraksha Yojana , Western India