Utilization of MCP card for enrichment of knowledge on antenatal care by mothers attending immunization clinic: a hospital based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: MCP card has been developed as a tool for families to learn, understand and follow positive practices for achieving good health of antenatal mothers and children. It serves as informative tool with pictorial contents for enrichment of mother’s knowledge, which may be a determinant of their practice. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the perception among mothers about antenatal care from MCP card and to associate selected variables of interest with their knowledge. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 mothers attending immunization OPD of MKCG Medical College during June to August 2016. Data was obtained from them by pre-designed and pre-structured questionnaire. Results: 86% have read the MCP card and understood it. Among them 10% have understood it pictorially, 62% have understood it both pictorially and literally. It was found that higher education, multiparity, early pregnancy registration, were statistically significantly associated with adequate knowledge (p<0.05). About various aspects of antenatal care, 90% correctly stated that 2 injections of TT are given in pregnancy but only 12% could say that deworming is done after 3rd month of pregnancy. 86% correctly said bleeding as a danger sign but only 2% knew about pallor as a danger sign. 81% said contacting health worker as an arrangement for emergency labour but only 35% said that they would identify a hospital in advance.  Conclusion: This can be utilized as a tool of health education for counseling during ANC visit at village level in the Anganwadis.