Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Santhal tribe is one of the largest tribal groups in India. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of sufficient data regarding their use of prenatal care services. Therefore, this study aims to assess the knowledge, and utilization rate of ANC services and determine the factors associated with the ANC utilization among the Santhal women. METHODS: This community-based cross-sectional study using a mixed method approach was conducted in Gomia block, Bokaro district, Jharkhand, India. Women aged 18-49 years, who had experienced childbirth, and were residents of selected villages were considered eligible. The Categorical data were presented in frequency and percentage. The association of categorical data was summarized in the Chi-square test. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the direction of the relationship between the variables. FGDs were analyzed using a content analysis approach. RESULTS: A total of 269 tribal women were surveyed. Iron and folic acid tablets were the most utilized and known service, received by 86.2% of women. In total, 61.2% registered their pregnancy during the first trimester and 78.4% received the required tetanus toxoid (TT) injection. Only 6.7% knew the ideal timing for ANC registration and 5.2% knew about the need for two doses of TT injection. ANC knowledge among women and the husband's education was found as significant determinant of ANC utilization. Lack of accessibility, affordability, trust, and availability of services appeared as significant barriers to ANC utilization. CONCLUSION: The uptake of antenatal services among women of the Santhal tribe is comparable to both state and national averages. However, there is a noticeable gap in knowledge concerning key components of antenatal care. Addressing these gaps through targeted interventions is crucial.