Antenatal and postnatal care play a crucial role in promoting the health and well-being of women during pregnancy and after childbirth. These care practices encompass a range of medical, nutritional and psychosocial interventions aimed at ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy, delivery and postpartum period. Adequate knowledge about antenatal and postnatal care is essential for women to actively participate in their own care, seek timely medical assistance and make informed choices for a healthy pregnancy and postpartum recovery [1-4].

In Himachal Pradesh, a northern state in India, the provision of comprehensive maternal and child healthcare services is of great importance. However, the level of knowledge regarding antenatal and postnatal care among reproductive-age women attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital Jogindernagar remains uncertain. Assessing the knowledge of women in this region can provide valuable insights into their understanding, awareness and potential misconceptions surrounding antenatal and postnatal care practices.

Understanding the level of knowledge about antenatal and postnatal care is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it enables women to recognize the importance of early and regular antenatal check-ups, proper nutrition and the utilization of essential healthcare services during pregnancy. Secondly, it promotes awareness of postnatal care practices such as breastfeeding, postpartum recovery and newborn care. Thirdly, it helps dispel misconceptions and cultural beliefs that may hinder the adoption of evidence-based care practices [5-7].

This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the knowledge of antenatal and postnatal care among reproductive-age women attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital Jogindernagar, Himachal Pradesh. By identifying knowledge gaps and misconceptions, this study will contribute to enhancing the delivery of maternal and child health services in the region and improving pregnancy outcomes.

By assessing the knowledge of reproductive-age women attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital Jogindernagar, this study will contribute to the existing literature on antenatal and postnatal care awareness among women in India. The findings will help healthcare providers, policymakers and educators identify specific areas where targeted interventions can be developed to improve knowledge and adherence to recommended care practices. This, in turn, can lead to better maternal and child health outcomes [8-10].

Improving the knowledge of antenatal and postnatal care among women attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital Jogindernagar is crucial for ensuring the well-being of mothers and their infants. Enhanced awareness and understanding of these care practices can lead to increased utilization of healthcare services, early detection of complications and the adoption of healthy behaviors, ultimately contributing to improved maternal and child health [11-12].

Objectives of the Study

To evaluate the knowledge of antenatal and postnatal care among reproductive-age women attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital Jogindernagar, Himachal Pradesh.

• Research Approach: Descriptive

• Research Design: Hospital based cross-sectional survey design

• Setting of the Study: OPD in Civil hospital Jogindernagar, Himachal Pradesh

• Study Duration: Between January 2023- April 2023

• Study Population: Women aged above 18 years came to OPD

Sample Size

About 400 women, assuming 50% have adequate knowledge regarding antenatal and postnatal care, 5% absolute error, 95% confidence level and 5% non response rate:

• Sampling Technique: Convenience Sampling technique

• Sampling Criteria: First female patients who came to OPD were selected everyday till the completion of sample size after explaining the purpose of the study. Informed consent was taken from them and confidentiality of the selected participants was also maintained 

• Inclusive Criteria: Female patients who were willing to participate in the study

• Exclusion Criteria: Female patients who were not willing to participate in the study

Description of Tool

Demographic Data Survey Instrument: The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background: age, marital status, religion, employment, education, family’s monthly income etc.

Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 20 structured knowledge related questions having three options (yes, no, don’t know). The participants have to choose right one. One mark was given for each correct answer and zero for incorrect answer. The maximum score was 20 and minimum score was zero. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as:

>80%(16-20) = very good, 60-79% (12-15) = Good, 41-59% (8-11) = Fair, <40% (<8) = poor

Validity of tool = by the experts in this field.

Data collection by under the guidance of supervisors and patients were given 30 minutes time to complete that questionnaire and collected at the end of the prescribed time.

Data analysis with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies, percentage.

The goal of the current study was to evaluate the knowledge of antenatal and postnatal care among reproductive-age women attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital Jogindernagar, Himachal Pradesh.

A total of 400 respondents including 107 (31.75%) were from urban area and 293(68.25%) were from rural area were participated in the study. Among the total of 400 study participants came to OPD, maximum 167 (41.75%) were having age between 21-30 years, educated up to Matric and Senior Secondary 172 (43%), Hindu 384 (96.0%) and employed 313 (78.25%) (Table 1 and 2).

In the present study 35.75% (143) participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards antenatal and postnatal care, 42.25% (169) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 15.5% (62) had fair knowledge (8-11 marks) and 6.5% (26) having poor knowledge (<8 marks) (Table 3).

Table 1: Socio demographic characteristics of the participants

Table 2: Knowledge Regarding Antenatal and Postnatal Care Among Study Participants

Table 3:      Knowledge Score Regarding Antenatal and Postnatal Care Among Study Participants

The cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge of antenatal and postnatal care among reproductive-age women attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital Jogindernagar, Himachal Pradesh. The following discussion presents an analysis of the study findings, identifies knowledge gaps, discusses the implications for maternal and child health and provides recommendations for improving antenatal and postnatal care knowledge and practices.

The study revealed significant knowledge gaps among the participants regarding antenatal care. Many women had limited understanding of the importance of early and regular antenatal check-ups, proper nutrition during pregnancy and the significance of prenatal vitamins. Lack of knowledge about the potential risks and complications associated with inadequate antenatal care may lead to suboptimal pregnancy outcomes and increased maternal and neonatal morbidity [3,4].

The findings also indicated inadequate knowledge of postnatal care among the participants. Many women lacked awareness of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, the importance of postpartum recovery and the need for regular postnatal check-ups. Insufficient knowledge about postnatal care practices can hinder the timely detection and management of postpartum complications, as well as impact the overall health and well-being of both the mother and the newborn [5,6].

The study findings have important implications for maternal and child health. Adequate knowledge of antenatal and postnatal care is crucial for promoting healthy pregnancies, safe deliveries and optimal postpartum recovery. Insufficient knowledge can result in delayed initiation of care, poor utilization of healthcare services and increased risk of complications. Improving knowledge about antenatal and postnatal care is essential for enhancing the overall well-being of both mothers and infants [7,8].

The study highlights the role of healthcare providers in improving knowledge about antenatal and postnatal care. Effective communication and counseling by healthcare professionals can play a significant role in educating women about the importance of antenatal and postnatal care practices. Healthcare providers should ensure that women receive accurate and up-to-date information, address their queries and concerns and provide appropriate guidance throughout the antenatal and postnatal period [9,10].

The findings emphasize the need for community education programs to enhance knowledge about antenatal and postnatal care. Targeted educational interventions should be developed to raise awareness among women, their families and the broader community. These programs can include information sessions, workshops and the distribution of educational materials that provide comprehensive and culturally sensitive information about antenatal and postnatal care practices [11,12].

To improve knowledge and uptake of antenatal and postnatal care, it is crucial to foster collaboration and integration among various stakeholders. This includes coordination between healthcare providers, community organizations and policymakers to develop and implement effective strategies. Integrated service delivery models can ensure seamless care transitions between antenatal and postnatal periods, ensuring continuity of care and improving maternal and child health outcomes.

The cross-sectional study highlights the knowledge gaps among reproductive-age women attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital Jogindernagar regarding antenatal and postnatal care. Enhancing knowledge about these care practices is essential for promoting healthy pregnancies, safe deliveries and optimal postpartum recovery. Healthcare providers, policymakers and community organizations should collaborate to develop targeted educational interventions, improve access to care and support women in adopting evidence-based antenatal and postnatal care practices.

1. World Health Organization. WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. World Health Organization, 2016.

2. World Health Organization. WHO recommendations on postnatal care of the mother and newborn. World Health Organization, 2013.

3. World Health Organization. "Maternal health." World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/health-topics/maternal-health#tab=tab_1. Accessed 22 May 2023.

4. Chacko, K.P. and Kilaru, A. "Postnatal care." Indian Journal of Pediatrics, vol. 72, no. 10, 2005, pp. 863-867.

5. Singh R. et al. "Utilization of maternal health services and its determinants: A cross-sectional study among women in rural Uttar Pradesh, India." Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, vol. 38, no. 1, 2019, pp. 13.

6. World Health Organization. "Raising the importance of postnatal care." World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/activities/raising-the-importance-of-postnatal-care. Accessed 22 May 2023.

7. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. "Maternal and child health care." National Health Portal, https://www.nhp.gov.in/maternity-benefit-programme_mty. Accessed 25 May 2023.

8. Tadesse, E. "Antenatal care service utilization of pregnant women attending antenatal care in public hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic period." International Journal of Women's Health, vol. 12, 2020, pp. 1181-1188.

9. Afaya, A. et al. "Women's knowledge and its associated factors regarding optimum utilisation of antenatal care in rural Ghana: a cross-sectional study." PLoS One, vol. 15, no. 7, 2020, e0234575.

10. Javanmardi, M. et al. "Challenges to access health information during pregnancy in Iran: a qualitative study from the perspective of pregnant women, midwives and obstetricians." Reproductive Health, vol. 16, 2019, pp. 128.

11. Jolivet, R.R. et al. "Exploring perceptions of group antenatal care in urban India: results of a feasibility study." Reproductive Health, vol. 15, 2018, pp. 57.

12. Singh, P.K. et al. "Determinants of maternity care services utilization among married adolescents in rural India." PLoS One, vol. 7, no. 2, 2012, e31666.