Utilization of maternal health services among mothers with children under two years in Arjundhara municipality, Jhapa, Nepal

Sushant Luitel; Salina Thapa; Pabitra Balampki; Hima Gautam; Lucky Devkota; Pragya Pokharel; Narendra K. Khanal; Raj K. Sangroula; Janak K. Thapa

doi:10.18203/issn.2454-2156.IntJSciRep20260033

Authors

Sushant Luitel Little Buddha College of Health Science, Purbanchal University, Kathmandu, Nepal
Salina Thapa Nepal Public Health Research and Development Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
Pabitra Balampki Nepal Public Health Research and Development Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
Hima Gautam National Academy for Medical Science, Purbanchal University, Nepal
Lucky Devkota Little Buddha College of Health Science, Purbanchal University, Kathmandu, Nepal
Pragya Pokharel Nepal Public Health Research and Development Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
Narendra K. Khanal Ministry of Health and Population, Kathmandu, Nepal
Raj K. Sangroula Nepal Public Health Research and Development Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
Janak K. Thapa Little Buddha College of Health Science, Purbanchal University, Kathmandu, Nepal; Nepal Public Health Research and Development Center, Kathmandu, Nepal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.IntJSciRep20260033

Keywords:

Maternal health service utilization, ANC, PNC, Nepal

Abstract

Background: The government of Nepal has prioritized the National Safe Motherhood Program to improve maternal and neonatal health. Pregnant women who access quality maternal health services, such as focused prenatal care, delivery care, and early postpartum support, can prevent most maternal deaths and complications. This study aimed to evaluate the use of maternal health services among mothers with children under two years in Arjundhara Municipality, Jhapa, Nepal.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers of children below two years using systematic random sampling. Verbal informed consent was obtained, and the Little Buddha College of Health Science granted ethical approval. Data analysis included bivariate analysis to identify factors associated with maternal health service utilization.

Results: Most women (87.8%) received antenatal care (ANC) services according to protocol, but less than a quarter (21.5%) received postnatal care (PNC) checkups as recommended. The findings showed positive links between PNC and certain socio-demographic factors. Similarly, mothers who were employed or involved in business were more likely to receive PNC than housewives. Additionally, families with a monthly income between NPR 50,000 and 150,000 were more likely to follow the recommended PNC practices compared to those earning less than NPR 50,000.

Conclusions: Findings showed that while ANC services were well-utilized, PNC services were underutilized. The cost was identified as a barrier, and suggestions were made to improve service availability and incentivize utilization. Overall, respondents expressed high satisfaction with the services received, despite facing challenges such as inadequate facilities and transportation.

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