Utilization of ICDS program by adolescent girls and implementation barriers in Urban Rishikesh, India

Abstract

Context:

Adolescent girls are at higher risk of mortality and morbidity due to childbirth. Government of India therefore initiated Adolescent girls’ scheme since year 2000. However, since its inception program received various setbacks.

Aims:

This study was carried out to assess the utilization of ICDS program for adolescent girls through Anganwadi centers (AWC) and implementation barrier from providers point of view. Also study assessed gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practice of anemia.

Settings and Design:

Mixed-method sequential explanatory approach was adopted. Quantitative data was collected by community-based cross-sectional survey in Urban Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. This was followed by in-depth interview of Anganwadi worker (AWW).

Methods and Materials:

Twenty adolescent girls from each of 20 clusters were selected by cluster sampling. Data was collected by structured validated questionnaire using Epicollect 5. AWWs were interviewed with help of interview guide.

Statistical Analysis:

Variables were described as proportion and mean. The interview transcript was analyzed using content analysis.

Results:

Out of 400 adolescent girls, 10% were school dropouts and 59% were undernourished. Seven percent had ever visited AWC in last year. The main reason for nonutilization was unawareness. 38% had knowledge regarding symptoms of anemia. AWW faces problems due to nonavailability of iron tablet, untrained for health education sessions, and service not meeting demand of beneficiaries.

Conclusions:

Poor utilization of ICDS services by adolescent girls due to unawareness. There is gap in knowledge regarding anemia among adolescent girls. Adolescent girls’ scheme is not as per felt need of beneficiary and poorly implemented.