Experiences of accessing maternal health care services in a rural community of South Africa
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Date
2020-06
Authors
Tapera, Lennox
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Access to maternal health care is a global concern, especially for developing
countries. South Africa's health system faces numerous challenges and poor access
to maternal health care services (MHS) is a major contributor to maternal deaths
nationwide. Maternal health entails social and medical health care services rendered
to both mother and child during pregnancy, at childbirth and after delivery. Few studies
have been conducted on experiences of women in accessing maternal health care in
rural areas. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring rural women's experiences in
accessing MHS in Rethabiseng within the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. More
specifically, the objectives of the study were to describe knowledge about maternal
health care, to explore women's maternal health care needs, maternal health care
seeking behaviour, the facilitators to accessing MHS, the barriers to accessing MHS
and to suggest recommendations to improve access to maternal health services. The
Social-Ecological Model guided the research, and women's experiences of accessing
MHS were explored on each level from individual, interpersonal, community and
organisational level.
Description
Keywords
Dissertation (MDS (Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2020, Maternal health care services (MHS), Maternal health, Maternal health care services (MHS) -- Rural women, Rural health care, Maternal death