Maternal and child health services in Kopey MOH area (Jaffna District) and factors associated with provision of services.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe the provision of services and factors associated with maternal and child health services in a war affected area. The study assessed the gap between self reported data through the routine system and describes the provision of services and factors affecting the services by using an interview administered questionnaire. A focus group discussion was also conducted with PHMM who were working in that area. According to the findings of the study, the registration of pregnant mothers less than 12 weeks of gestation was 78.4percent and registration of mothers in the home was 60.0 percent. The rates are lower than those reported through routine reporting system and the national data. Most of the working women (90.4 percent) arc registered before 12 weeks. But only 69.0 percent of them are registered at their home. Domiciliary visits such as ante natal visits and post partum visits are lower than the national standard. According to the study only 41 percent of the eligible women among those who need family planning were using contraception. Among those using, 56.4 percent were using permanent methods. Out of permanent method users 88.7 percent had un1ergone female sterilization. Among those using temporary methods the highest numbers of women (59.7 percent) are using injectables (Depo - Provera). Eighty percent of the family planning users received their family planning services from the national family planning services. Factors such as income level, level of education, working class and marital status are affecting the use of family planning methods.