A field experiment assessed awareness and utilization of maternal health services under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) among 120 married women in rural Chhattisgarh. While the result find utilization of antenatal care services was high (87.5% registered early for ANC), overall awareness of NRHM entitlements was low (only 22.5% fully aware). Specific knowledge gaps were found regarding cash incentives under Janani Suraksha Yojana, free institutional delivery, the role of ASHAs, and best practices during delivery. Education level, age, income and social participation had significant positive association with awareness. Education, age, income and social participation had significant positive association with awareness. Despite good antenatal coverage, poor awareness remains a bottleneck for optimal utilization of government maternal health facilities. Tailored communication strategies along with women’s empowerment initiatives are needed to increase knowledge and utilization of NRHM maternal health services in rural communities. Strengthening community outreach and addressing health systems gaps are vital to actualize the full potential of NRHM benefits. The key challenges: low awareness of NRHM maternal entitlements among rural women hampers optimal utilization of government health facilities. Strengthening community outreach and health systems is vital to increase knowledge and bridge gaps in rural maternal care.

NRHM, Knowledge, Empowerment, Janani Suraksha Yojana and Public Health Care

This study aimed to assess the awareness and utilization of maternal health services under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) among rural women in Chhattisgarh. The results showed that the majority of respondents (75%) were married after 18 years of age, indicating delayed marriage. Early antenatal registration was high at 87.5%, implying good health-seeking behavior. However, awareness of NRHM services was low, with only 22.5% of women being fully aware. Awareness was particularly poor regarding entitlements like cash incentives under Janani Suraksha Yojana and the role of ASHAs in accompanying pregnant women. Bivariate analysis showed that awareness was significantly associated with education level, age, income and organizational membership. Therefore, improving women's education, social participation and financial independence can improve their awareness and utilization of maternal health services. Mass media campaigns are also needed to increase public knowledge of NRHM entitlements and benefits. ASHAs require further training and sensitization to fulfill their roles as facilitators of maternal health services. In conclusion, this study highlights gaps in awareness as a key barrier to optimal utilization of NRHM maternal health services in rural Chhattisgarh. It provides evidence that women's education, empowerment and mass media campaigns should be leveraged to increase awareness and access to vital public health entitlements. The NRHM program also needs strengthen its human resources and community outreach to achieve the full potential of its initiatives.

Amar Nath Taram and Pratima Shukla (2023). To Study the Awareness of Beneficiaries of NRHM (National Rural Health Mission) on different Public Health Care Facilities Available for Improving Maternal Health of Rural Women. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(12): 411-415.