Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram services utilization among rural mothers: community perspective from southern areas of West Bengal

Abstract

Background: Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) was launched to increase accessibility of healthcare services for expectant mothers and children. The present study was conducted to understand the utilization pattern of JSSK services among recently-delivered women of southern West Bengal.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural areas of South 24-Parganas district of West Bengal. By multistage sampling 340 mothers were selected. Data regarding child-bearing experiences, different services related to maternal health and the utilization of JSSK services were collected through interview.Results: The mean age of the mothers was 23.58 years (±4.36 years). Majority of the respondents had education up to primary level with majority having two living children or less. During ante-natal period 74.6% of the respondents in delta regions did not undergo any diagnostic tests. In Kolkata-nearing non-delta regions, majority of the respondents (92.8%) utilized exclusively government hospital for diagnostic tests. In delta regions most of the deliveries (78.8%) happened at home. After delivery in government/accredited facility, majority of women did not get the free drop-back facility. While 18.4% of the respondents from delta region utilized free diagnostic services, 16.9% utilized the free delivery services. A marginally higher utilization of free transportation among the respondents of non-delta region was observed for transport back to home.Conclusions: Delta blocks need to be given special attention especially regarding institutional delivery. Along with promotion of the services generation of awareness, acceptance and also implementation of methods to reach out to people should be focused more.