A household health interview survey on MCH services utilization was carried out in 22 villages of a rural district of Arsi region, Ethiopia, before the launching of an integrated MCH programme. Coverage of antenatal services was 26%, and 61% of the women who received antenatal care reported having had 3 or more visits. Antenatal care was positively associated with living within 10 km of the Health Centre. Twenty-eight percent of the mothers attended the under-5 clinic and most returned for 3 or more visits. In addition, 99% reported having breast-fed their last child but more than 25% started weaning only after the seventh month of age. Differences in practice of treating diarrhoea according to knowledge of ORS were found. Of the 33% of those with knowledge of ORS, almost 90% reported use of ORS for treating child's diarrhoea, showing a positive attitude towards modern health care. The proportion of women using family planning was 5%, with no difference found between Christians and Muslims. Results on EPI coverage validated data from routine reporting. Integration of MCH services including out-reach activities may increase access and coverage of MCH services.
PIP: A community survey of 21 villages in rural Ticho district of Arsi region in Ethiopia was conducted in February 1990 to gather data on utilization of maternal and child health (MCH), family planning, and immunization services. 95% of the villages had a traditional birth attendant. 26% of the 419 mothers had used prenatal services when pregnant with their last child. 61% of these women had at least 3 visits. Women who lived within 10 km of the health center in the district capital, Robe, were more likely to use prenatal services than those who lived at a greater distance (41% vs. 23%; p 0.001). Just 29% of mothers had taken their 1st child to the under-5 clinic, but 64% of these took this child to the clinic for at least 3 visits. All but 4 mothers (99%) breast fed their last child; 77% of them were nursing at the time of the interview. Just 4% of all breast feeding mothers discontinued breast feeding before their child reached 1 year. Just 33% of the mothers were familiar with oral rehydration salts (ORS). Most mothers with ORS knowledge (89%) used ORS to treat diarrhea, reflecting a positive attitude towards modern treatment of diarrhea. Only 5% of women 15-49 years old used contraceptives. Contraceptive usage was significantly associated with age (10% for 40 years, 7% for 20 years, and 4% for 21-39 years; p .05). Christians and Muslims used contraceptives at virtually the same rate (6% vs. 5%). Survey results on immunization coverage supports routine reporting data. Attendance at MCH clinics had a positive effect on complete immunization with the diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus vaccine (p 0.001). Such as association was not observed between prenatal care and tetanus toxoid immunization, however. The researchers propose integration of MCH services in upgraded health stations to increase access and coverage of MCH care.