Bangladesh (2013): FoQus on factors that influence healthy pregnancy and caregiver responses to the health care needs of children under 2 years of age, during the first 1000 days, in the Chittagong, Sylhet, and Barisal Divisions. Round 1.

Studies show that utilization of antenatal care (ANC) and postnatal care (PNC) can reduce maternal mortality and morbidity significantly. However, the utilization of maternity care provided by trained professionals during and after delivery in Bangladesh is alarmingly low. While there has been some improvement in the recent years, about 32% of pregnant women still do not seek any ANC. Therefore, this study seeks to understand the health care decision-making process of women during pregnancy and caregivers of children up to 2 years old (within the first 1000 days), particularly related to health pregnancy (as related to child health), child nutrition, and to the treatment of diarrhea and pneumonia. The information will be used to develop program messages and communication strategies for the USAID Marketing Innovations for Health (MIH) program. The study uses qualitative methods to elicit information from pregnant women, caregivers, and people who influence caregivers' decisions related to child health. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, in three of the four program divisions: Chittagong Division, Sylhet Division, and Barisal Division.