Home-based mother's record: operational feasibility, understanding and usage in a rural community in Zimbabwe.

Utilization of health services is variable but may contribute to the well being of women during pregnancy. If people understand when there is a risk of illness or death, they are likely to cooperate in reducing those risks and participate in their own care. In rural communities people need to be provided with simple but scientifically-sound technology adapted to their understanding and needs. One such technology is the home-based maternal record (HBMR). We assess the feasibility, understanding and usage of a locally adapted HBMR of the World Health Organization prototype in a rural community in Binga district, Zimbabwe.