Awareness About Maternal and Child Health among the Tribal Women in Two Villages of North Bengal, West Bengal

Abstract

Despite the implementation of various national programs in India, maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity remain persistently high in tribal areas, primarily due to a lack of awareness about Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services among tribal women. This study was strategically designed to evaluate the knowledge levels of married tribal women in the reproductive age group regarding MCH services. The focus of this investigation is to understand the awareness about mother and child health services among tribal women in the reproductive age group in two villages, Shikarpur of Jalpaiguri and Hatighisa of Darjeeling district in West Bengal. A total of 100 (50 from each village) married women of reproductive age group were selected. All the participants were interviewed using a survey schedule. Among 100 respondents, 68% completed primary education. A significant proportion of child-birth/deliveries (81%) occur at home, prompting the need for safer institutional deliveries. Prenatal and postnatal care practices vary, with 68% receiving two Tetanus Toxoid doses. Healthcare consultations during sickness show diversity and 57 individuals did not seek any. Breastfeeding initiation within 24 hours was observed. Introducing complementary foods occurred mostly between 0-6 months. The study underscores the necessity for targeted interventions to improve vaccination coverage and healthcare-seeking behaviors, and emphasizes promoting exclusive breastfeeding for enhanced maternal and child well-being.