The MCH handbook (MCHHB) is a home-based health record for both mother and child. It records
the health condition of the mother throughout pregnancy, delivery, and the postnatal period, as well as the
condition of the child such as immunization records and growth monitoring. This review addresses the
various uses of MCH Handbooks in different selected countries since 1980. In addition, the objective is also
to provide an updated overview of the lessons learned from selected evidence-based studies. Literature was
reviewed using appropriate search terms in Pubmed and Ovid medline databases and narratively reported
the findings of the included studies.
Studies from different countries on impact of MCH handbook showed that the intervention increased
antenatal care (ANC) attendance, delivery with skilled birth attendants (SBAs) and delivery at a health
facility, even after adjusting for maternal age, education and economic conditions. The qualitative data also
indicated that the handbook was well received and culturally appropriate.
The MCH handbook is a reasonable and superior alternative to current card-type maternal records and
also supportive to continuum of care to ensure better health for mothers and children.