Abstract:
A community based descriptive cross sectional study of pregnant women registered over a
specified period in two MOH areas Matara and Akuressa was undertaken.A group of 380
pregnant women consisting of 16.3 per cent urban,34.7 per cent semi urban and 49 per cent
rural whose expected date of delivery was between 15 th of September 1994 to 30 th of
October 1994 was studied.An interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used as
the study instrument.Health education during home visits was found to be a deficient
area.Testing urine for sugar and albumin was not done during home visits and examination
of mothers at home was found to be incomplete.Study area showed a good coverage of
protection by tetanus toxoid(98 per cent).Important examinations like testing urine for sugar
and blood pressure were not done adequately in the clinics.It was recommended that
supervision of field and clinic activities including logistics supply to be improved.Regular in
service training for the field staff to update knowledge and skills and organized training for
volunteer health workers were recommended to improve quality of care in clinics.Provision
of medical officers to attend all the clinics was also recommended.
