Indian Journal of Community and Family Medicine (Jan 2019)
Evaluation of knowledge and awareness regarding usage of mcp card amongst health functionaries and beneficiaries
Abstract
Introduction: Mother and child protection (MCP) card has been developed as a tool to help families to know about various types of services which they need to access for the health and well-being of women and children. The auxiliary nurse-midwife (ANM)/anganwadi worker (AWW) record the desired information in place provided in the card and the beneficiaries are pregnant women and mother/families of children up to 3 years of age. The present study was therefore undertaken with the objectives to assess the knowledge of health functionaries on appropriate usage of MCP card; to study the knowledge of beneficiaries about the MCP card and its importance in maternal and childcare. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted from February 1, 2018 to April 30, 2018 on health functionaries at anganwadi center and beneficiaries of MCP card. One hundred and five anganwadis and 3 beneficiaries per anganwadi were selected using convenience sample consisting of one pregnant female, one mother/family member of child <6 months and one mother/family member of child between 6 months and 3 years. Data regarding sociodemographic details of health functionaries and beneficiaries along with data regarding usage of MCP card were assessed. Results: Overall knowledge regarding immunization was maximum (87.6%) among health functionaries, whereas knowledge regarding five cleans was minimum (10.5%). Only 56.3% and 76.5% AWW and ANM received orientation training regarding MCP card. Out of 315 beneficiaries, only 50.8% beneficiaries knew about correct validity of MCP card, i.e., 0–3 years and 190 (60.3%) beneficiaries found MCP card helpful during referral. Majority of beneficiaries wanted custody of MCP card to be with the mother or beneficiary themselves. Only 8.6% and 4.4% beneficiaries wanted custody of card to be with AWW and ANM, respectively. Conclusion: The MCP cards are being used adequately for keeping the background information, antenatal care provided to the mother, and immunization among both health functionaries and beneficiaries.
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