Publication: Barriers in Utilization of Maternal Health Care Services: Perceptions of Rural Women in Eastern Nepal
Date
2014
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Nepal is promoting safe motherhood through maternity incentives schemes. Still
about two-thirds of births take place at home. Inadequate access to health care
and under utilization of services is the major reasons for poor health of women
and children.
Objectives
The study aim to explore the barriers in utilization of maternal health care services
in eastern Nepal specifically to explore the reasons for not availing the services and
to assess the indigenous practices regarding maternal health.
Methods
An exploratory study design was adopted to elicit the information from the
selected respondents from different villages. Focus group discussions and in-depth
interviews were conducted. Data was transcribed and analyzed manually to identify
themes.
Results
The barriers to maternal health care service utilization were identified as social
factors like family pressure, superstition, shyness, misconception, negligence,
illiteracy, alcoholism. Likewise, large family size, jobless, unnecessary expenditure
on health services was identified as economic barrier. Some cultural practices were
also found as barrier for not availing the health services.
Conclusion
The study explored factors that are contributing in not availing the maternal
health care services. The elimination of these barriers will facilitate quality of
care and health outcomes. Therefore, the interventions should be developed and
implemented to improve the health status of women and children. The result of
this study can be utilized to draw the attention of local government, in strategic
planning related to maternal health interventions.
KEY WORDS
Barriers, indigenous practices, maternal health care services
Description
Lama S, Krishna AKI
School of Public Health
SRM University
SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur-603203
Kancheepuram, Tamilnadu, India
Keywords
Barriers, Indigenous practices, Maternal health care services