A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding the Benefits of Selected Government Schemes and Programmes for Mother and Child Health Among Women in a Selected Rural Community of Lucknow

Author Name: Maj Anuvratha Narayanan, Lt Col Chithra Mohanan, Lt Col Mohita Sambyal, Maj Reena, Maj Kavita Chaudhary

Volume: 03/02

Country: India

DOI NO.: 11.2023-61555522 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/09.2025-49519543/GIJNR

Affiliation:

1. Clinical Tutor, College of Nursing, Command Hospital (Central Command), Lucknow.
2. Post Basic B.Sc. Trainee Officer, College of Nursing, Command Hospital (Central Command), Lucknow.
3. Post Basic B.Sc. Trainee Officer, College of Nursing, Command Hospital (Central Command), Lucknow.
4. Post Basic B.Sc. Trainee Officer, College of Nursing, Command Hospital (Central Command), Lucknow.
5. Post Basic B.Sc. Trainee Officer, College of Nursing, Command Hospital (Central Command), Lucknow.

ABSTRACT

Background: Government initiatives such as the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), and the Universal Immunization Program have significantly improved access to maternal and child health services by providing free institutional care, nutritional support, and immunization. Despite these efforts, gaps in awareness and utilization remain, particularly in rural areas. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes regarding the benefits of selected government schemes and programmes for mother and child health among women in a rural community of Lucknow, and to explore their association with socio-demographic factors. Objectives: To assess knowledge and attitudes regarding the benefits of selected government health schemes and programmes for mother and child health; to determine the association of knowledge and attitudes with selected socio-demographic variables; and to examine the correlation between knowledge and attitudes among women in a rural community. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among 120 women of reproductive age (20–45 years) in a selected rural community of Lucknow. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge and attitudes towards selected schemes. A non-probability convenient sampling technique was used. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyse knowledge and attitudes, while inferential statistics tested associations and correlations with socio-demographic variables. Results: Although participants demonstrated positive attitudes towards government health schemes, there were significant gaps in knowledge, especially among older and less-educated women. Younger and better-educated women showed higher knowledge levels and more favourable attitudes. Findings highlight the potential for targeted educational interventions to enhance awareness and utilization of these health schemes. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of strengthening behaviour change communication and community-based information, education, and communication (IEC) activities to bridge knowledge gaps. Enhancing awareness in rural areas can leverage existing positive attitudes and improve maternal and child health outcomes through better utilization of government health schemes.

Key words: Government health schemes, rural health, maternal and child health, nursing practice, health education, socio-demographic factors