| dc.description.abstract | Introduction: The Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) worldwide remains high and continues to be a major global issue. In 2022, Deli Serdang Regency recorded the highest MMR in North Sumatra Province, with a ratio of 16 per 42,363 live births. One of the efforts to prevent MMR is by utilizing the Maternal and Child Health Book (MCH) Book. The MCH Book serves as an important source of information for maternal health during pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, and the Family Planning (FP) program. The optimal use of the MCH Book depends on the mother's ability to read, understand, and apply its content correctly. Healthcare providers need to provide clear guidance on how to read the MCH Book step by step according to the pregnant woman’s needs and remind them to always bring the book. Knowledge and support from healthcare providers play a crucial role in ensuring effective use of the MCH Book. Objective: To determine the relationship between maternal characteristics, knowledge, and support from healthcare providers regarding the utilization of the MCH book by pregnant women at Puskesmas Tanjung Rejo, Deli Serdang Regency. Methods: This study employed an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using Spearman's statistical test. Results and Discussion: Among the 100 respondents analyzed, the majority of pregnant women were characterized by a healthy reproductive age (55%), low education (72%), unemployment (89%), and high parity (56%). Regarding the utilization of the KIA Book, the majority (73%) were categorized as using it poorly. In terms of knowledge, 79% of the women had inadequate knowledge, and support from healthcare providers was also predominantly categorized as insufficient (94%). This study found a significant association between the utilization of the MCH Book and factors such as age (p = 0.002), education (p = 0.001), employment (p = 0.033), parity (p = 0.001), knowledge (p = 0.001), and healthcare support (p = 0.001). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between the utilization of the MCH book and maternal characteristics, knowledge, and support from healthcare providers. | en_US |
