Perceived Barriers in Accessing the Reproductive Health Care Services in Odisha

Abstract

Background: The utilization of Reproductive, Maternal, and Newborn and Child health (RMNCH) services is often influenced by the socio-cultural, financial, access, political barriers acting at the community, family and individual level. Yet, very little attention has been given, either by policy makers or researchers for minimizing their effect. Aim and objective: To examine the demand and supply side barriers in accessing the maternity services and to understand the perception on maternal healthcare services. Material & Methods: The study was carried out in four districts of Odisha state, with a well representative sample of 1194 women, who delivered a child in last 2 years. Quantitative and qualitative study design was followed to collect the data. Results: The supply side barriers such as physical access and facilities were faced by the service providers. The demand side barriers such as socio-cultural, financial and access barriers were faced by the service receivers in order to avail the services. Conclusions: In order to overcome the barriers faced by the women of Odisha it is important to improve the access to services so that they get them easily. Some of the imperative actions such as strengthening community mobilization through inter-personal communication, dialogue with the key influencers in the community as well as continuous engagement with and sensitization of the service providers

Prevalence, socio-demographic determinants, and self-reported reasons for hysterectomy and choice of hospitalization in India

“…Uneducated women and those from low socio-economic origins had limited awareness of health check-ups and health-seeking behaviour. These factors may cause women to delay or avoid getting treatment in the early stages of a reproductive health problem [ 40 ]. Most women do not seek treatment for reproductive health problems in the early stages because they believe they are normal for women.…”

Prevalence and determinants of hysterectomy in India

“…Additionally, the hysterectomy procedure is also related to lower age at the time of first childbirth and untreated reproductive health conditions which are higher in rural areas leading to a higher prevalence of hysterectomy as found in this study 35 . Secondly, rural areas have their own beliefs, and practices regarding health, and neglected health care seeking might elevate the risk factors resulting in hysterectomy 36 . Nonetheless, a probable reason for urban residents having higher chances of hysterectomy could be an easy access to healthcare facilities, and opting for such surgeries also.…”

Out of Pocket Expenditure on Delivery and Postnatal Care in Public and Private Hospitals

“…The overall results indicate a clear preference for the public sector health facilities for postnatal care among women with higher education, employed in government services, government/private service or selfemployed spouses, higher economic strata, living far from a health facility, high transport expenses, and overall OOPE. [18][19][20]…”