Lindsey Ann Lubbock1, Rob B Stephenson. 1. Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Hubert Department of Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. llubbock@hotmail.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To better understand the individual and community factors and perceptions that influence women's health care-seeking behaviors during pregnancy in order to increase women's utilization of maternal health services. METHODS: This study investigates the logistical and sociocultural barriers influencing women's utilization of maternal health services through 37 semi-structured in-depth interviews with women from the department of Matagalpa, Nicaragua. RESULTS: Results reveal that delays in seeking health care during pregnancy are influenced not only by poor access to care and economic barriers but also by individual and community knowledge and acceptance of maternal health services. Partner support, previous maternal health care experiences, and the degree of communication with other women and health workers affect women's decisions to seek care. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence suggests that in order to improve maternal health outcomes in this region, interventions must be targeted at a hierarchy of levels: individual, household, and community.
OBJECTIVES: To better understand the individual and community factors and perceptions that influence women's health care-seeking behaviors during pregnancy in order to increase women's utilization of maternal health services. METHODS: This study investigates the logistical and sociocultural barriers influencing women's utilization of maternal health services through 37 semi-structured in-depth interviews with women from the department of Matagalpa, Nicaragua. RESULTS: Results reveal that delays in seeking health care during pregnancy are influenced not only by poor access to care and economic barriers but also by individual and community knowledge and acceptance of maternal health services. Partner support, previous maternal health care experiences, and the degree of communication with other women and health workers affect women's decisions to seek care. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence suggests that in order to improve maternal health outcomes in this region, interventions must be targeted at a hierarchy of levels: individual, household, and community.
Authors: Omrana Pasha; Robert L Goldenberg; Elizabeth M McClure; Sarah Saleem; Shivaprasad S Goudar; Fernando Althabe; Archana Patel; Fabian Esamai; Ana Garces; Elwyn Chomba; Manolo Mazariegos; Bhala Kodkany; Jose M Belizan; Richard J Derman; Patricia L Hibberd; Waldemar A Carlo; Edward A Liechty; K Michael Hambidge; Pierre Buekens; Dennis Wallace; Lisa Howard-Grabman; Suzanne Stalls; Marion Koso-Thomas; Alan H Jobe; Linda L Wright Journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Date: 2010-12-14 Impact factor: 3.007
Authors: Meghan A Bohren; Olufemi T Oladapo; Özge Tunçalp; Melanie Wendland; Joshua P Vogel; Mari Tikkanen; Bukola Fawole; Kidza Mugerwa; João Paulo Souza; Rajiv Bahl; A Metin Gülmezoglu Journal: Reprod Health Date: 2015-05-26 Impact factor: 3.223