Assessment of Knowledge and Utilization of Maternal and Neonatal Health services in Public Hospitals of district Dera Ghazi Khan

Abstract

Background: Poor utilization of healthcare services during pregnancy, child delivery, and postpartum is a significant cause of maternal and child mortality. Antenatal and postnatal care is the most effective intervention for maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, especially in areas where women's general health is poor. Objectives: This study was conducted to find out the mother's knowledge about maternal and neonatal services to determine the utilization of maternal and neonatal services in public hospitals of District Dera Ghazi Khan. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a public hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data about the knowledge and utilization of antenatal care services among pregnant women. Results:The findings of the present study showed that 58.4% of respondents have good knowledge of antenatal care, while 41.6% showed poor ability. Among total respondents, 46.32% showed positive utilization of ANC services, while 53.68% showed poor utilization. A statistically significant difference has been found between respondents' income and ANC knowledge (p=0.02). A statistically significant difference was found between respondents' education and ANC knowledge (p=0.01). Among respondents who have their first pregnancy, 45(72.58%) have good ANC service utilization (p=0.002). Among respondents who were satisfied with the ANC services, 81(89.01%) were utilizing early ANC, whereas 10 (10.98%) were utilizing late ANC services (p=0.01). Conclusion: Overall findings of this research have shown that respondents' knowledge and utilization of ANC were not satisfactory. For more improvement, there is a need to educate women and provide them with adequate facilities to utilize maternal and neonatal care services.