7. Social Barriers Obstructing Early Antenatal Care
Sumaira Jamil, Tayyaba Majeed and Tehmina Zafar
ABSTRACT
Objective: To identify and analyze social barriers that obstruct access to and utilization of antenatal care services in Pakistan.
Study Design: A cross-sectional Study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Central Park Teaching Hospital from May 2023 to November 2023.
Methods: A total of two hundred and eighty (280) people participated in this qualitative research. Specifically, one-hundred and twenty-five (125) in-depth interviews were conducted with pregnant women aged 18 to 45 to gain insights into their experiences and perspectives on social barriers encountered during antenatal care. Additionally, a series of focus group discussions involving one hundred and fifty-five (155) participants, including pregnant women, their family members and healthcare providers, were organized to collectively explore the social barriers.
Results: The research revealed that cultural norms, limited social support, financial constraints, and gender inequalities were significant social barriers to accessing antenatal care. Participants highlighted issues such as traditional practices, lack of awareness, transportation challenges, and experiences of stigma and discrimination as major social barriers obstructing antenatal care.
Conclusion: The influence of cultural norms, limited social support, financial constraints, and gender inequalities on women's access to antenatal care services. By eliminating these barriers, it is possible to improve access to antenatal care, enhance maternal and child health outcomes, and promote equitable healthcare access for all women in Pakistan.
Key Words: Social barriers, antenatal care, cultural norms, lack of awareness, reforms.
Citation of article: Jamil S, Majeed T, Zafar T. Social Barriers Obstructing Early Antenatal Care. Med Forum 2024;35(2):32-36. doi:10.60110/medforum.350207.