Vol. 8, Issue 5 (2019)

As strong pillars are needed for the better foundation of building, so are healthy children needed for the development of country. Therefore, various child welfare services are started by the government for comprehensive development of children. Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Integrated Child Development Services are important services started by government for child welfare. Awareness among parents regarding child welfare is very important for better utilization. The present study is titled as “A descriptive study to assess the awareness and utilization of selected child welfare services among parents in selected areas of Pune city”.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the awareness and utilization of selected child welfare services among parents and to associate the findings with selected demographic variables.

Material and Method: The quantitative research approach was used for this study and descriptive research design was applied. Using non- probability purposive sampling technique 300 parents were selected in selected areas of Pune city.

Result: The results showed that maximum 239(79.7%) parents were aware regarding selected child welfare services and average utilization was reported by maximum parents 248 (82.6%). No proper preschool education for the children is the maximum factor 224 (74.7%) and non- availability of the health worker at the health center is the minimum factor that is 33 (11%) which affects the utilization of selected child welfare services. Statistically there is significant association between awareness and utilization at 5% level of significance [χ2, df (4) = 14.16, p services with selected demographic variables (age of parents, educational status and no. of children in the family)

Conclusion: The study concluded that parents have inadequate awareness regarding se l=.01]. And also, there is significant association between awareness and utilization of selected child welfare ected child welfare services and average utilization was reported. There is significant association between awareness and utilization of selected child welfare services.