Assessment of Knowledge and Utilization of ICDS Services among Mothers of Under Six Children in Selected ICDS Centers, South 24 Parganas,West Bengal

Abstract

Introduction:The lives of children and women are the true indicators of the strength of communities and nations. Therefore health and welfare of children and their mothers is the top priority of any nation to build a strong society. The first six years of child's life are most crucial. Inadequacies during this vulnerable period result in hampering of development and growth faltering.Government of India launched the Integrated Child Development Service scheme on 2nd October 1975 in 33 (4 rural, 18 urban, 11 tribal) blocks to ensure the holistic development of the child with a package of services aimed at reducing child malnutrition, morbidity and mortality. Materials and Methods:A non -experimental descriptive research was conducted to assess the knowledge of ICDS services and to determine the utilization of ICDS services among 100 mothers of under six years children in selected ICDS centers, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Non -probability purposive sampling technique was adopted. The tool consisted of 8 items in socio-demographic profile, a 14 -item structured interview schedule for assessing knowledge of ICDS services and a 12 -items structured interview schedule for assessing utilization of ICDS services. Results:The study findings reveal that maximum mothers (43%) have average knowledge score regarding ICDS services. Most of the mothers (82%) utilize immunization services. There are variations in knowledge as well as utilization level among mothers regarding ICDS services. The results also indicate that knowledge is positively correlated with utilization ["t" df (98) = 1.96; p<0.05]. Conclusion:There is urgent necessity of meaningful exclusion and execution of factors responsible for lack of knowledge and underutilization of services at the national level.