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Research Paper | Paediatrics | India | Volume 12 Issue 7, July 2023 | Rating: 5.1 / 10
A Community Based Survey on Home Births in Urban Slums in Lucknow: Reasons and Consequences
Dr. Smrati Jain, Dr. Jaigam Abbas, Dr. Rishabh Malhotra
Abstract: Background: The Government of India, through the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) program is trying to promote institutional delivery by giving cash assistance to all expectant mothers opting to give birth at the government or private health center. A higher number of women are still preferring delivering at home. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of home births in urban slums and identifying the factors influencing women?s choice of home deliveries and their consequences. Methods: A Cross-sectional survey from house to house was conducted of all households in three slum clusters in Lucknow, India. It included 400 women who had a live birth during last 1 year preceding the data collection. Data on birthing place, socio demographic characteristics detailed information on pregnancy and postnatal care were obtained from the mother using structured questionnaires. Results: Of the 400 women who gave birth in the previous year, 40.75% had given birth at home. When compared to those opting for hospital delivery, there was significant difference in socio demogaphic factors like mother?s education, occupation and parity between the two groups. Financial issue (40%), distance from hospital (20%) and fear of hospitals (20%) emerged as the primary reasons for home births. As a consequence, 40 (6.1%) babies needed hospitalization within one month for sepsis, only 27 (16.5%) received birth dose of vaccine. Conclusions: Home births are rampant among the urban poor. This study highlights the urgent need for improving the strategies to promote institutional delivery and need for family support as the key modifiable factor
Keywords: Place of delivery, Home delivery, urban slums, Socio-economic status
Edition: Volume 12 Issue 7, July 2023
Pages: 704 - 708