Quality Care Assessment of Maternal and Child Health Services Among Women in Sagar City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ensuring high-quality maternal and newborn healthcare is crucial for improving health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries such as India. This study aimed to assess the quality of maternal and child health (MCH) services in Sagar city, Madhya Pradesh, India, and their associations with beneficiaries' knowledge. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 postnatal women. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, and MCH service utilization were collected. A scoring system was developed to evaluate the quality of MCH services, including antenatal care (ANC), intranatal care (INC), and postnatal care (PNC). RESULTS: While most women were aware of early registration, institutional delivery, and breastfeeding benefits, knowledge gaps existed in areas such as ANC visits, TT immunization, and exclusive breastfeeding. Only 25 (6.25%) of the participants received good-quality care, whereas 201 (50.25%) received poor-quality care. A significant association was found between the knowledge score and quality of care (ꭕ²=43.131, p=0.000). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need for interventions to improve knowledge and awareness about MCH services among beneficiaries and to increase the quality of care provided. Improving the quality of MCH services is essential for reducing maternal and child mortality and achieving better health outcomes in India.