Assessment of Utilization of Integrated Child Development Services Scheme in Uttarakhand

Background: ICDS scheme has been playing its role effectively since 1975 when it was launched, but still there are some short comings which need to be addressed. Uttarakhand being one of the states with poor health indicators with respect to child and mother there is need to increase research on implementation of programs. Aims & Objectives: The present study was conducted to see utilization of services provided under ICDS scheme in Uttarakhand. Material & Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in selected areas of Uttarakhand from October 2018 to June 2019. 505 households from 16 Anganwadi centers, from both urban and rural areas of Dehradun and Haridwar districts were included. Assessment of utilization of services was done by household interviews. Data was analyzed using SPSS V 23 software. Results: Availing supplementary nutrition services was the most utilized service (94.5%) followed by health education services (88.3%), health and referral services (83.2%), preschool education services (76.7%) and least utilized service was immunization service (69.3%). Conclusion: Various factors independently affecting utilization of services were identified. Overall utilization of services is highest among pregnant women and least among adolescent girls and women of reproductive age group.