Impact of attitude towards pregnancy on maternal care seeking behavior: Evidence from rural landscapes of India

Aim: To obtain insights into the influence of attitude towards pregnancy among women on maternal care seeking behavior, in the rural landscapes on India. Method: The present research approach adopted a descriptive research design and a cross sectional approach. The present study has adopted a correlation type of investigation as we examine the relationship among variables of interest(attitude towards pregnancy, demographic factor, social factors) and health seeking behavior (ANC service utilization). Quantitative data has been collected by employing a structured pre-tested questionnaire from the respondents who fulfill the inclusion criteria. A multi stage sampling approach is employed to identify the 600 sample size that has been statistically determined. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software. Results: Attitude towards pregnancy significantly influence health seeking behavior among women. Woman s control over economic resources at the house hold level did not influence woman s decision to seek healthcare whereas woman s freedom of movement had a significant influence on their health seeking behavior. Proportion of women having positive attitude towards pregnancy among attendees of Antenatal Care is higher than among the non-attendees of ANC. Results reveal that education level of the woman and family structure had a significant influence ANC service utilization.