Assess the knowledge, utilization, level of satisfaction of utilization and barriers of non-utilization regarding Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) among women of Ernakulam District, Kerala, India

Abstract

The integrated child development scheme (ICDS) was launched in 1975 to provide an integrated package of services to aid the holistic development of the child. The beneficiaries of this scheme are children below the age of six, pregnant and lactating women in the age group of 15-45 years. Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to assess the knowledge, utilization, level of satisfaction of utilization and barriers of non-utilization regarding Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) among women. Methods: This study adopted a quantitative approach using a descriptive survey design. Convenience sampling technique was used to collect data from 553 women between the age group of 18-45 years residing in Ernakulam district, Kerala, India. Five tools were used to collect the data. The obtained data from 553 women entered in data sheet using SPSS version 20 and was analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Results: Majority women (68.5%) had average knowledge regarding ICDS services. Mothers who had under five children utilized more ICDS services (90.5%) compared to pregnant women (48.7%) and lactating mothers (27.2%). Majority women (75%) were highly satisfied with utilization of ICDS services. The first and foremost barrier for non-utilization of ICDS services among women was lack of time due to work (60%). Conclusion:The ICDS programme is a globally recognized community based programme, which addresses the basic interrelated needs of young children and mothers, in a holistic manner.

District Level Geospatial Analysis of Utilization of ICDS Services Among Children in India

“…A study by Davey et al ( 41 ), showed that due to lack of easy accessibility of AWC, unavailability of space at the AWC and poor quality of distributed food were some of the major reasons of non-utilization of services ( 41 ). Also, mothers felt difficulty in carrying the child to the AWCs and with not enough contact with the AWC workers makes it more difficult ( 20 ).…”

“…Mothers are the primary care providers and the knowledge about the services provided by ICDS are necessary. In several regions due to lack of awareness the rate of utilization is more ( 20 , 21 ). Around 16% children are low birth weight (16.4%) ( 22 ), and about three-fifth of children are fully immunized ( 23 ).…”

“…Despite almost 40 years of implementation of ICDS, nearly half of the children aged below 6 years are not benefited/utilized one or more services (food supplements, immunizations, health check-ups, early childhood care/preschool, and weighing service) from AWCs ( 19 ). A recent study by Jawahar and Raddi ( 20 ), noted that children under 5 years were not utilizing services fully due to the mother's lack of knowledge. Mothers are the primary care providers and the knowledge about the services provided by ICDS are necessary.…”

Coverage vs Utilization of integrated child services scheme (ICDS): A community based study in urban block of Patiala, Punjab (India)

“…Few studies[ 16 17 ] also reported a high level of satisfaction of mothers with the services. These findings suggest that there are many within- and between-state variations in the uptake of the ICDS programme and utilisation of services.…”

Utilization of Nutritional Supplementation Services and Their Predictors in Pregnant and Lactating Women Living in an Urban Resettlement Colony of Delhi, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…A study from Western India reported multiple factors related to household convenience and accessibility of ICDS services influenced their utilization by mothers [ 17 ]. Another study from Southern India in Ernakulam district reported that lack of time, improper communication with AWWs, poor behavior of AWWs, the distance of AWC from home, and lack of knowledge were the main barriers restricting the usage of Anganwadi nutrition services [ 18 ]. A study from Eastern India in the Ganjam District reported the association of factors like socioeconomic status (SES), literacy, and occupation with the extent of ICDS utilization [ 12 ].…”