Background: Developing countries contribute to 99% of maternal deaths. Timely, quality antenatal care (ANC) is crucial, as inadequate ANC increases risks of low birth weight and is strongly linked to higher perinatal and infant mortality. Thus, the objectives of the study are to assess the health-seeking behaviour, determine the multiple factors affecting this health-seeking behaviour, and assess their awareness and utilisation of the various national health schemes provided for antenatal females. Methods: The study was a 3-month duration-based cross-sectional study (September to November 2024) conducted in the catchment area of the Urban Health Training Centre, Karaiyakheda, Vidisha. All eligible antenatal women who gave informed consent were included. After the approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee, data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire in Hindi. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi 2.6.25. Results: In this cross-sectional study of 74 antenatal women, more than 50% were aged 25–34 years, high-school educated, and homemakers. Despite low socioeconomic status, service utilization was high with 100% registration, 81% regular ANC visits, 93% IFA adherence, and 95% Td coverage. Awareness of weight gain (24%) and danger signs (38%) was limited. Decisions were influenced mainly by in-laws, and financial (31%) and distance (23%) barriers restricted facility choice. Lower groups preferred government services. Conclusion: The study reveals positive trends in maternal health-seeking behaviour. Nevertheless, gaps remain in awareness and sociocultural factors strongly influencing choices, highlighting the need for targeted health education.
Kasthala et al. (Sat,) studied this question.
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