Bimal Bhatta9. Wadenya, J.W. Determinants in maleinvolvement in reproductive health atthe community level: a case study inBardiya and Doti districts, Nepal. MSc.Dissertation 1999.Ms. Bimala Bhatta, Lecturer, Department <strong>of</strong> Community Medicine, <strong>Nobel</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong>Teaching Hospital & Research Center, PO Box: 278 Biratnagar Morang Nepal; email:aakriti70@yahoo.com.<strong>Journal</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nobel</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong> (2011), Vol. N.1 52
ORIGINAL ARTICLEMaternal Health care and It’s UtilizationUTILIZATION OF MATERNAL HEALTH CARESERVICES IN BELBARI VDC OF ESTERN REGION OFNEPALBhandari Buna, Pokhrel Baburam, Bhatta Bimala, Karn Rajib,Pokherl Ava and Jha NilambarAbstract:Background: Appropriate utilization <strong>of</strong> maternal health care services is veryimportant to reduce the maternal morbidity and mortality rate in the country andhealthful practices while caring mother is needed to improve the health condition <strong>of</strong>both mother and child. Objectives: Main objectives <strong>of</strong> this study is to assess theutilization <strong>of</strong> Maternal health care services and know the cultural practices aboutcare <strong>of</strong> mother and children <strong>of</strong> under one year <strong>of</strong> children. Methodology: Descriptivecross sectional study was conducted among 248 mothers <strong>of</strong> less than one yearchildren on Belbari VDC <strong>of</strong> Morang district. Data was collected by usingquantitative (house hold survey) and qualitative (focus group discussions and keyinformant interview) methods. Results: Among 248 mothers, 84% utilized theantenatal care services, 91% received TT vaccine during pregnancy. Most <strong>of</strong> them80% had done delivery in health institutions. Conclusion: Based on proposedobjectives <strong>of</strong> study, Utilization <strong>of</strong> maternal health care services should be encouragedin Belbari VDC <strong>of</strong> Morang District and healthful practices should be reinforced inareas where corrections are needed.Key words: Utilization, Mortality, Antenatal, Hospital, ChildrenIntroductionMaternal mortality ratio is one <strong>of</strong> themost important indicators <strong>of</strong> health. Onthe otherhand, it is a crucial health indicator <strong>of</strong>population. The health care that awoman receives during pregnancy, atthe time <strong>of</strong> delivery and soon afterdelivery is important for the survivaland well being <strong>of</strong> both the mother andthe child. 1 Global evidence shows thatall pregnancies are at risk, andcomplications during pregnancy,delivery and the postnatal period aredifficult to predict. 2 Every year 529,000maternal deaths occur worldwide as aresult <strong>of</strong> pregnancy and pregnancyrelated complications. Among thesedeaths, 99% <strong>of</strong> deaths occur indeveloping countries. 3 Maternalmortality in South-East Asia accountsfor about 40% <strong>of</strong> global deaths. Alarge majority <strong>of</strong> women, particularlythe poor and the marginalized, do nothave easy access to such life-savingtechnologies. 4Maternal mortality <strong>of</strong> Nepal in 2006was 281 per 100000 live births whichare still high relative to developedcountries. 1 The coverage <strong>of</strong> antenatalcare (ANC), delivery care andpostnatal care (PNC) is importantmaternal health indicators. This studyaims to provide scenario <strong>of</strong> utilizationand practices <strong>of</strong> maternal and childhealth care and give some newadditional information for development<strong>of</strong> new strategy on maternal and childhealth services to reduce maternal andinfant mortality in the country.<strong>Journal</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Nobel</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>College</strong> (2011), Vol. N.1 53
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