Bhavana Badhani, Arti Rauthan✉ and Sonam Gupta
Department of Public Health, Sai Institute of Management and Technology, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
(✉) Corresponding Author
Received: Apr 24, 2026/ Revised: May 23, 2026/Accepted: May 28, 2026
Highlights
- Assesses antenatal care utilization among rural women in Dehradun district.
- Evaluates awareness, accessibility, and utilization of ANC services.
- Education, income, and healthcare access significantly influence ANC uptake.
- Distance, transportation barriers, and socio-cultural factors limit service use.
- Findings support targeted interventions to improve maternal health outcomes.
Abstract
Maternal health remains a critical component of public health and socio-economic development, particularly in developing countries like India. Antenatal care (ANC) services play a vital role in ensuring safe pregnancy and reducing maternal and infant mortality. Despite the implementation of various government initiatives, the utilization of ANC services in rural areas continues to be inconsistent. The present study examines the utilization of antenatal care services among women in selected rural villages of Dehradun district. The study is based on primary data collected from a sample of 80 respondents, including pregnant women and recently delivered mothers, using purposive sampling. The research analyzes the socio-economic profile of respondents, their level of awareness regarding ANC services, and the extent of utilization of these services. The findings reveal that although awareness of antenatal care services is relatively high, complete utilization remains moderate. A significant proportion of women do not complete the recommended number of ANC visits due to various constraints. The study identifies key factors influencing ANC utilization, including education, income, accessibility to healthcare facilities, and socio-cultural practices. Distance to health centers and lack of transportation emerge as major barriers, particularly in rural areas. Additionally, financial limitations and limited decision-making power among women further restrict access to maternal healthcare services. The study concludes that improving the utilization of antenatal care services requires a multi-dimensional approach that addresses socio-economic, cultural, and infrastructural barriers. Strengthening awareness programs, enhancing healthcare accessibility, and improving the quality of services are essential for achieving better maternal and child health outcomes. The findings of the study provide valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and development agencies to design targeted interventions for improving maternal healthcare utilization in rural settings.
Keywords: Antenatal Care (ANC), Maternal Health, Rural Healthcare, Healthcare Utilization, Socio-Economic Factors, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Primary Data, Public Health, Women’s Health.
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How to cite this article
Badhani, B., Rauthan, A., & Gupta, S. (2026). Assessment of ante-natal care services among women in rural areas of Dehradun District: A cross-sectional study. Science Archives, 7(2), 35–40. https://doi.org/10.47587/SA.2026.7202
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