A PORTRAYAL OF THE SOCIODEMOGRAPHICS AND OPTIMAL UPTAKE OF ANTENATALCARE SERVICES AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN OF URBAN SLUMS IN INDIA: AN INITIAL DATASET DEPICTION

Escalating deployment of maternal healthcare services has considerably impacted maternal mortality rates. However, urban slums have remained an understudied area in this context. Aim: To assess maternal healthcare service utilization patterns and influencing factors during antenatal period in urban slums. The analysis encompasses Fertility, Family Planning Practices, Dietary Habits, Health Quality, and implications of COVID-19 on Pregnancy. Method: Cross-sectional research conducted between April and June 2022, among urban slums in South Delhi, targeting pregnant women aged 18-44 years. Data from 250 ongoing pregnancies, accessed through Aganwadi centers, were collected electronically following study porotocol. Result: Results indicated that 98% of participants were under 40 years of age, with 67% falling below 28 years. About 93% of sample population was educated, with 93% as homemakers. Among women with parity, 82% had one child. Awareness of ANC was widespread, with 78% demonstrating medium level of knowledge. Media exposure and family planning adoption were minimal (47% and 51%, respectively). ANC utilization rates were high, with 98%, 97%, and 94% receiving iron and folic acid, tetanus toxoid, and ultrasound examinations, respectively. Only 2% were exposed to COVID-19 during pregnancy. Conclusion: This initial investigation indicates low media exposure and family planning adoption. However, ANC awareness and utilization were significant. Strategies should prioritize women's education to enhance awareness of ANC and postnatal care. Strengthening public health infrastructure is vital for optimizing maternal service utilization