Abstract: Introduction: The maternal health care service utilization by reproductive women remains dismal despite various health programs and policies in the country. The study was initiated to find out the answer to the utilization level of maternal health services and the factors which influence the utilization. The present study was conducted to assess the utilization of maternal health care services (ANC and PNC) and the influence of factors on maternal health care utilization in Lucknow district.
Materials and Methods: Study design- Observational Cross Sectional. Study Area-Below poverty line people residing in Urban areas. Study Unit-Women delivered in last one year. Study Period-March, 2014 to January, 2015. Sampling Technique-Simple random sampling. Sample Size-484 subjects. Study Technique- Interviews using a pre-tested, pre-structured questionnaire.
Results: The study observed that utilization of maternal health care services was not up to the expected level, few indicators being abysmally low (PNC visits etc). The association of certain factors like literacy level of women, religion and parity was found to be significantly associated with Maternal health care service utilization.
Discussion: The current study re-emphasized that maternal health care utilization is governed by multiple factors like maternal literacy level, religion and parity of women. Literacy level increases awareness about health, availability and accessibility of services and helps in developing the confidence while religious faith motivates the utilization of services.
Conclusion: The better utilization of the maternal health services can be achieved by socio-economic development.
Recommendations: Policies and programs focusing on education of community and incorporation of opinions of religious bodies could be an appropriate strategy.
