Spatial distribution and barriers to access to health care among women in Ghana

Abstract

Background: This study aims to assess the spatial distribution of barriers to healthcare access among Ghana women. Despite government efforts to reduce barriers such as cost and distance, a significant proportion of women still experience barriers in accessing healthcare. Understanding the spatial distribution is crucial for targeted interventions aimed at addressing the existing barriers that are likely to hinder Ghana from attaining SDG target 3.8. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional study based on a sample of 20,620 women from the 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey. Spatial autocorrelation and hotspot assessment were conducted in the geospatial analysis to determine the spatial distribution of barriers to access to healthcare in Ghana. At the same time, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate associated factors of barriers to accessing healthcare. Results: This study assessed the spatial distribution of barriers to healthcare access among women in Ghana. Over half of women (55.4%) experienced at least one barrier. The Northern zone emerged as a hotspot, while the Southern zone had cold spots. Wealth, health insurance coverage, education, TV watching, being in a union, and parity were associated with barriers to healthcare access. Targeted policies should be designed to address the spatial disparities, improve healthcare infrastructure, promote education, enhance financial support, and empower women to overcome barriers to healthcare access in Ghana. Conclusion: We conclude that over half of Ghanaian women encounter barriers in accessing healthcare, with Northern Ghana being a hotspot and Southern Ghana a cold spot. The Government of Ghana and health agencies should prioritise improving healthcare accessibility, particularly in Northern Ghana. Targeted interventions should focus on vulnerable sub-populations such as unmarried women, those with low education, individuals with poor wealth status, and those lacking health insurance coverage. Addressing these barriers will help reduce disparities and ensure equitable healthcare access for all women in Ghana.