Awareness and Utilization of NRHM Services and Their Impact on Rural Communities in Haryana: A Sociological Study

Abstract

The present study tried to know about awareness and utilization of NRHM Services and their impact on rural Communities in Haryana, particularly focusing on variations across social categories. Exploratory and descriptive research design methods were used in the present study, selecting 528 respondents through a Multi-Stage Stratified Random Sampling Method. The study investigates disparities in awareness and healthcare utilization among respondent categories, highlighting significant findings across various domains. Notably, individuals from the General and Scheduled Castes exhibit greater awareness of programs like the National Rural Health Mission and family planning compared to those from the Other Backward Class category. Healthcare preferences vary, with the General Category favoring private hospitals, SCs preferring government facilities, and OBCs primarily opting for government hospitals. Awareness of prenatal check-ups, iron tablet intake during pregnancy, and delivery location preferences also differ significantly among respondent categories. Additionally, disparities in immunization awareness and adoption are evident, with individuals from the general and Scheduled Caste categories demonstrating higher awareness and adoption rates compared to the Other Backward Class. Furthermore, experiences during the immunization program vary, with individuals from the Other Backward Class reporting higher instances of illness. These findings underscore the importance of addressing disparities in healthcare awareness and utilization among different demographic groups for more equitable healthcare delivery.