TY - JOUR
T1 - "Back to basics" approach for improving maternal health care services utilization in Lao PDR
AU - Ngan, Do Kim
AU - Kang, Minah
AU - Lee, Chaeun
AU - Vanphanom, Sychareun
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 APJPH.
PY - 2016/4
Y1 - 2016/4
N2 - Earlier studies claim inadequate knowledge and understanding of maternal health care service among women and families account for low demand and utilization of these services. This study explores maternal service utilization in Lao PDR by interviewing women, families, health service providers, and community members in Xiengkhuang province. In general, women's attitude and acceptance of maternal health care were positive, with many expressing appreciation and need for maternal health services. Nevertheless, utilization of maternal health services remained poor largely due to dissatisfaction with services: inaccessibility, irregular services, fund shortage, poor facilities, and problems dealing with male health service providers. It appears that utilization of maternal health care services in Lao PDR is as much a health system concern as it is a user preference issue. This article advocates a "back to basics" approach for reviewing maternal health care infrastructure systems in developing countries to improve community health services and utilization.
AB - Earlier studies claim inadequate knowledge and understanding of maternal health care service among women and families account for low demand and utilization of these services. This study explores maternal service utilization in Lao PDR by interviewing women, families, health service providers, and community members in Xiengkhuang province. In general, women's attitude and acceptance of maternal health care were positive, with many expressing appreciation and need for maternal health services. Nevertheless, utilization of maternal health services remained poor largely due to dissatisfaction with services: inaccessibility, irregular services, fund shortage, poor facilities, and problems dealing with male health service providers. It appears that utilization of maternal health care services in Lao PDR is as much a health system concern as it is a user preference issue. This article advocates a "back to basics" approach for reviewing maternal health care infrastructure systems in developing countries to improve community health services and utilization.
KW - Health communication
KW - Health services utilization
KW - Health system
KW - Maternal and child health
KW - Primary health care
KW - Women's health
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84978879600&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/1010539516634188
DO - 10.1177/1010539516634188
M3 - Article
C2 - 26969638
AN - SCOPUS:84978879600
VL - 28
SP - 244
EP - 252
JO - Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health
JF - Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health
SN - 1010-5395
IS - 3
ER -