MATERNITY CARE SERVICES

ACCESSIBILITY AMONG RURAL WOMEN IN DISTRICT FAISALABAD

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal health care refers to high quality health care provided
to a pregnant woman during pregnancy, delivery and postnatal period. The maternal mortality
ratio is quite high in the rural areas of Pakistan. Rural society is highly associated with its
traditions and cultural values. There are some cultural and social barriers for women. They
are being considered negligible part of the population and are facing a number of hardships
in availing health facilities. Objective: The aim of the study was to find out the socioeconomic,
cultural and demographic factors affecting the access of rural women to maternity care services.
Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural areas of District Faisalabad.
Quantitative research method was used to get meaningful, detailed information. Material and
Methods: A sample of 205 pregnant women aged 18-38 was taken, purposively to explore the
research objectives through pre-designed interviewing schedule with open and closed ended
questions. Results: Univariate and bivariate analysis reveal the factors associated with the
utilization of maternity care services such as education of the respondents and their husbands,
family type, household income, age at marriage, attitudes towards health care facilities were
found to be associated with the utilization of maternity care service. Conclusion: The study
reveals that a number of reproductive problems occurred among pregnant women in the rural
areas of Pakistan due to the limited health facilities, socio-demographic and cultural barricades
which restricted them to utilize maternity care services