Objective
To assess the effects of the utilization of Maternal and Child Health Handbook (MCHH) in West Sumatra on the utilization of maternal health services.
Methods
A repeated cross sectional study design was used. Three consecutive surveys were conducted in two districts, in 1999, 2001 and 2003, involving respectively 611, 621, and 630 mothers (pregnant and/or with one or more children under age three) as respondents. Respondents for each survey were selected from the same sub-districts and villages, using a multistage random sampling method. Data were collected primarily by using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out to estimate the net effects of the MCHH on mother's use of maternal health services.
Results
After controlling for other influencing factors, utilization of MCHH was found to be associated with better maternal knowledge regarding antenatal care (ANC), tetanus toxoid (TT) immunization and skilled birth attendance. MCHH utilization was also associated with higher likelihood of mothers' utilizing ANC, TT immunization and family planning services, and of use or planned use of skilled birth attendance. Simply owning the handbook did not affect maternal knowledge and was only associated with higher utilization of skilled birth attendance.
Discussion
The MCHH needs some modification, taking into account the educational level of the targeted mothers. Appropriate health care provider training is needed to promote the use of the MCHH as a tool for encouraging and focusing communication between mothers and health care providers, as well as to ensure that health care providers are able to use the handbook.
Conclusion
Utilization of the MCHH has the potential both to improve maternal knowledge and to increase the utilization of maternal health services. For maximum benefits, the handbook should be actively used by both mothers and health care providers.