“Socio-economic determinants in Utilization of balsanjeevini scheme in Children of 0 to 6 years of age in Below poverty line families of Belagavi taluka.”

Abstract

ABSTRACT The intricate relationship between poverty and health is a matter of concern among the researchers, academicians and health administrators. The studies have established that, poverty is root of ill health and ill health produces poverty. Utilization of health care among underprivileged is very low. Poor social location, overcrowding, poor environmental acquaintance, deficiency of health services and behavioural features are all strongly related with poverty. High-quality primary childhood education, continuous access to health care, income supports for families most in need and support from parents to enable work and family life can contribute to reduce the effects of poverty on children. Balsanjeevini Scheme is the ambitious program of the Women & Child Welfare Department, Government of Karnataka. It is to bring down morbidity and mortality among BPL children of 0 to 6 years of age. The scheme offered a treatment cover of Rs 50,000 to neonatal ( up to one month after birth) and Rs 35,000 from 1 month to 72 months children. Parents accompanying the child also receive Rs 100/- as an incentive ( loss of wages) . Children can avail treatment for diseases such as pneumonia, anemia, diabetes, malaria, malnourishment covering 18 broad spectrum of diseases. The scheme was launched in the year 2011 by Government of Karnataka; Women & Child development Department is the implementing agency of the BSS. Anganwadi Workers/ Supervisors, CDPOs play an important role in implementing the scheme. xiv The objective of present study was to evaluate utilization and barriers in utilization of BSS among BPL children of Belagavi Taluka from 0 to 6 years and socioeconomic factors associated with their health. The socioeconomic factors which are closely knit with health of children are parental education, income, type of house, food habits, quality of drinking water, belief, customs and availability of toilet in the home etc. Objective: 1. To know Socio-Economic determinants in utilization of Balsanjeevini scheme in children of 0 to 6 years of age in Below Poverty Line families of Belagavi Taluka.