Utilization of Ante Natal Care Services in India- status, barriers and motivations

The antenatal care is one of the most important components of maternal health care to ensure safe motherhood. An attempt has been made in this paper to examine the utilization pattern of ANC, its motivational factors and barriers in eight EAG states of India. This study utilizes data from District Level Household and Facility Survey, 2007-2008 for eight high focused states- empowered action group (EAG) states. The utilization of ANC service varies from state to state and among socio-economic groups. The proportion of women dropped out before full ANC is highest in Uttar Pradesh among all EAG states. More dropouts are occurring in first and second trimester and after two or three ANC visits. The major source of motivation for ANC is 'self or any family member' rather than ‘any health personnel’. Cultural barriers, like- 'not necessary', not customary', and 'family didn’t allow' are major obstacles of ANC utilization. Therefore, it becomes essential to spread the proper knowledge of ANC and its importance among the women and husbands or family members as well as health personnel can act as the key person to motivate the women to go for ANC and complete the full schedule of ANC.