Assessment of coverage and utilization of maternal health services at sub-center level in rural Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh: A community-based cross-sectional study

Background: Maternal health remains a major public health concern in Uttar Pradesh despite improvements in service coverage under national programs. Sub-centers form the backbone of rural primary healthcare delivery; however, gaps persist between service availability and effective utilization.

Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to assess the coverage of maternal health services (antenatal care [ANC] and family planning services) and the utilization of maternal health services among beneficiaries at sub-center level in rural Kanpur.

Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2019 to December 2020 among 350 recently delivered women registered at selected sub-centers under Musta Primary Health Center, Shivrajpur block, Kanpur Nagar. Multistage random sampling was used. Data were collected using a pretested structured interview schedule and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21. A P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Although 94.0% of women availed at least one ANC visit, only 58.0% completed ≥4 ANC visits and 52.0% registered during the first trimester. The institutional delivery rate was 66.0%. However, only 26.0% consumed ≥100 iron and folic acid tablets. Contraceptive use was reported by 44.0% of women. Completion of ≥4 ANC visits was significantly associated with age at marriage ≥18 years, maternal education, higher socioeconomic status, knowledge of ANC, and birth preparedness.

Conclusion: While initial ANC contact and service delivery at sub-centers were satisfactory, adequacy of utilization and adherence to recommended practices remain suboptimal. Improving communication, counseling, female education, and community awareness is essential for better utilization of maternal health services in rural areas.