Utilization of the PMSMA Scheme and Its Impact on Current Pregnancy Outcomes Among Postnatal Mothers in Rural Areas of NCR, India
Keywords:
PMSMA, UTILIZATION, RURAL, IMPACT, PREGNANCY, OUTCOMEAbstract
Background: Maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality remain major public health concerns, particularly in rural areas with limited access to quality antenatal care. The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) was launched in 2016. aims to provide comprehensive antenatal care and early identification of high-risk pregnancies through specialist services on the 9th of every month. This study aimed to assess the utilization of PMSMA and its impact on pregnancy outcomes among postnatal mothers in rural areas of Ghaziabad, NCR, India. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 327 postpartum women in rural Ghaziabad, NCR, from August 2025 to January 2026. Data were collected using a pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews after obtaining informed consent. Data were entered in MS Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 31.0. The chi-square test was applied. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: Out of 327 participants, 240 (73.4%) utilized PMSMA services, while 87 (26.6%) did not. Lack of awareness (471%) and preference for private consultation (460%) were the main reasons for non-utilization. PMSMA utilization was significantly associated with higher live births (p-002). No significant association was found with mode of delivery, birth weight, NICU admission, or delivery complications. However, odds ratios indicated a protective effect against stillbirth (ORZO-207), abnormal birth weight (OR=O.633). and delivery complications (ORZO-421). Conclusion: PMSMA utilization was relatively high in rural Ghaziabad. NCR however. Lack of awareness remains a key barrier. Strengthening community awareness and outreach through frontline health workers may further improve utilization and maternal and neonatal outcomes.
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