Mihir P. Rupani
1* 
, Pathik M. Patel
1, Pooja R. Meena
1, Pooja P. Patel
1, Priskila A. Patel
1, Priya K. Paragda
11 Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College Bhavnagar, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, Gujarat, India.
Abstract
Janani-Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) and Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) were launched with the objective of
increasing institutional deliveries. But, its knowledge among the post-natal mothers is not known. This research
evaluated the knowledge of two national health programs among post-natal mothers and found out the predictors
of good knowledge about the entitlements of these programs. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of
consecutively recruited 339 post-natal mothers who had delivered in a tertiary care hospital of western India. Data
were collected from November 2016 to February 2017 by interview method using a questionnaire with questions
about knowledge regarding the entitlements of JSSK and JSY. Multivariable analysis was carried out for predictors
of good knowledge. Among the 339 post-natal mothers, 30% had a good knowledge regarding JSSK. Only 24%
had heard about JSSK; 54% knew regarding free transport to the place of delivery; only 22% and 13%, respectively
knew about free inter-facility transport in case of complications for pregnant women and sick infants, while 96%
knew regarding free drop-back facility. Only one-fourth of the mothers knew regarding monetary benefit under
JSY, while 28% of them had actually received the benefit. The number of antenatal care visits, having an occupation
and belonging to Hindu religion significantly predicts good knowledge among postnatal mothers regarding JSSK.
Knowledge among the post-natal mothers regarding the entitlements of JSSK and JSY is less while comparing with
published literature and needs improvement. Regular ante-natal care (ANC) visits might improve their knowledge
of these programs. There is a need to create awareness among hospital staff for the provision of reimbursement
of costs incurred by post-natal mothers. There is also a need to carry out demand generation activities among
mothers regarding the entitlements of JSSK and JSY.