Knowledge, awareness and attitude regarding WHO recommended ANC visits among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at D.Y. Patil hospital, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

Background: ANC is the care woman receives throughout the pregnancy in order to ensure that both the mother and child remain healthy. Promotion of maternal and child health is the most important component of family welfare programme of Govt. of India. It is useful to promote, prevent and protect maternal and perinatal health for the sustainable growth and development of country. Unfortunately, many women in developing countries do not receive such care. This study is conducted to identify, address and to assess the awareness and knowledge about own health during pregnancy and to improve maternal health, to improve maternal health services and to limit barriers among health systems working at all levels.Methods: This study is done in D.Y. Patil Hospital, Kolhapur among pregnant women attending ANC from April to June 2017. A questionnaire was used to collect data and assessed in either positive or negative response. Statistical analysis was done in terms of percentage.Results: During the analysis 48.1% had knowledge about ANC check-ups and 26.7% admitted about the importance of ANC check-up and visits. Regarding awareness, 35.8% were aware about the importance of ANC card, 28.3% were aware about the parameters, check-ups and investigations. 23% agreed that each ANC visit can improve the health and baby’s growth, while evaluating Attitude 32.6% enquired about their improvement or complications they will have to face.Conclusions: Present study data is baseline but informative for further planning of health in intervention programme. It is also useful for enhancing awareness of antenatal care and for motivating the women to utilize maternal care services