Tuesday, 1 July 2025

Health Care Seeking Behaviour Among Pregnant Women in Rural Western India: A Qualitative Study | Chapter 9| An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 3

Background: One of the most important aspects of maternal health services is antenatal care (ANC).

 

Aim of the Study: The perceptions and care-seeking behaviour of pregnant women living in rural Western India are examined in this study, as is their knowledge of pregnancy-related complications.

 

Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was carried out in 2022 with 74 pregnant women who were randomly selected from the ANC register and were in their third trimester. Using a pretested guide that covered eight thematic areas, data were collected through in-depth interviews. Thematic coding was used to analyse the transcriptions of the interviews.

 

Results: The majority of women understood the value of regular ANC visits. However, little was known about specific complications like pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes. Although transportation obstacles and reliance on spouses for decision-making were observed, government health services were favoured because they were accessible and reasonably priced. Families provided support, and there was little dependence on traditional healers. A few participants voiced concerns about the results of deliveries, especially caesarean sections.

 

Conclusions: The study draws attention to the disparity in general ANC awareness and specialised knowledge regarding pregnancy complications. Maternal outcomes can be improved in rural Western India with sustained community involvement and education provided by primary healthcare systems.

 

Author(s) Details

Pravin Yerpude
Department of Community Medicine, Chhindwara Institute of Medical Sciences, Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh)-480001, India.

 

Keerti Jogdand
Department of Community Medicine, Chhindwara Institute of Medical Sciences, Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh)-480001, India.

 

Mohini Jogdand
Department of Community Medicine, Swami Ramanand Teerth Rural Government Medical College, Ambajogai, (Maharashtra)- 431517, India.

 

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v3/5781

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