Maternal Health Literacy and Perception Patterns in Jhajjar, Haryana: Implications for Post-Pandemic Care

Sandeep . Kumar; Dhirendra . Kumar; Anju . Bala

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.61324

Maternal Health Literacy and Perception Patterns in Jhajjar, Haryana: Implications for Post-Pandemic Care

Author(s)	Dr. Sandeep . Kumar, Dr. Dhirendra . Kumar, Dr. Anju . Bala
Country	India
Abstract	Background: Adequate maternal knowledge and favorable perceptions are crucial for achieving safe motherhood and effective service utilization. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted reproductive-health services, particularly in semi-urban and rural India. This study assessed women’s knowledge and perceptions regarding maternal care during pregnancy in Jhajjar District, Haryana. Methods: A cross-sectional, community-based survey was conducted among currently married women aged 15–49 who had been pregnant in the preceding five years. Multistage systematic random sampling selected 677 eligible respondents from six health blocks. A structured questionnaire captured knowledge (antenatal visits, IFA, danger signs, PNC, breastfeeding, hygiene) and perception indicators. Proportions with Wilson 95 % CIs were calculated, and one-sided exact binomial tests compared each proportion against 50 %. Results: Overall, 97.4 % (95 % CI 95.9–98.4) received advice on any component of maternal care. Knowledge was universal for four or more ANC visits, delaying first bath ≥ 2 days, keeping the baby warm, and exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months (≈ 100 %). High knowledge was observed for iron-folic-acid supplementation (87.4 %) and awareness of high-risk symptoms (74.4 %). Moderate knowledge (≈ 74 %) was found for the need for postnatal check-ups and immediate breastfeeding. Only 28.2 % knew the importance of deworming. Doctors were the primary information source for danger signs and breastfeeding, whereas ASHAs and ANMs predominated for ANC and newborn-care topics. Conclusions: While overall awareness of core maternal-care components was high, significant gaps remained—particularly in deworming, recognizing danger signs, and understanding the importance of postnatal care. Strengthened community education and multipronged behavior-change strategies are recommended to consolidate knowledge and shape positive perceptions of maternal care.
Keywords	Maternal care, Knowledge, Perception, Antenatal care, Jhajjar District, Haryana, COVID-19, India
Field	Sociology > Health
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 6, November-December 2025
Published On	2025-11-22
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.61324
Short DOI	https://doi.org/hbb77k

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Maternal Health Literacy and Perception Patterns in Jhajjar, Haryana: Implications for Post-Pandemic Care

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