Title:
Factors Influencing Access to Maternal Health Services in Rural Zimbabwe
Authors:
Chipandu, Munhamo Persevearance
Year:
2013
PAGE:
vii, 53
Language:
En
Subject:
Maternal Health – Lessons Learned
Keywords:
Maternal Health, Access, Cost, Poverty, Health and Zimbabwe, Maternal Mortality, Rural Zimbabwe
Abstract:
287 000 pregnancy related death are happening in the world and 85% of these in Sub-Saharan Africa and South-east Asia. Globally the maternal mortality ratio has been on the decline since 1990 but for Zimbabwe it has been rising and now is 960/100 000 live births in rural areas. It has been noted that antenatal care visits are low and that 50% pregnant women deliver at home without skilled birth attendants and this has been linked to the high numbers of morbidity and mortality in rural Zimbabwe. Therefore this leads to the question: why are pregnant women not accessing maternal health services in rural areas? Study Objective: To describe the factors influencing access to maternal health services so as to inform policy and practice related to maternal and child health to help improve outcomes for pregnant women in rural Zimbabwe. Methodology: A review of literature from Low and Middle income countries using internet based search sites and databases. The David Peters Model is employed to direct this study. Results: Availability of well-trained and polite skilled birth attendants was important and influenced pregnant women’s perception. Distances to health centers interacted with transport and opportunity costs to reduce access. Educational levels mainly amongst pregnant rural women influenced health seeking behavior, access to resources and decision making power in the household. Lack of community involvement was also an important finding. Underlying all these factors is the issue of poverty. There is evidence that Maternity Waiting Homes, Task Shifting of Emergency Obstetric care to intermediate cadres, Increasing Community Participation and Community loan funds can increase access to maternal health services in rural areas. Recommendations: The Ministry of health should mobilize and build community capacity for involvement in planning and implementing health activities. Maternity Waiting homes should be made operational and funding to maternal health need to be increased. Parliamentarians should strive to address poverty issues and resource allocation.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Department:
Development, Policy and Practice
Country:
Zimbabwe
Region:
Southern Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (MPH/ICHD)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2013 Chipandu
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
fZXX9HbiNW_20161024130129546.pdf