Barriers to Health Care Access Perceived by Adolescent Girls

Pallavi; Milind  Jha

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i9.1384

Authors

Pallavi Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Madhubani Medical College & Hospital, Madhubani, Bihar, India
Milind Jha Assistant Professor, Department of General Medicine, Madhubani Medical College & Hospital, Madhubani, Bihar, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i9.1384

Keywords:

Adolescent Girls, Healthcare Access, Barriers, Financial Constraints, Rural Health

Abstract

Background: Adolescent girls face numerous barriers when accessing healthcare, particularly in low-resource settings. These constraints include financial, cultural, and structural challenges, which significantly impact their ability to obtain timely and appropriate medical services. Addressing these barriers is essential for improving the health outcomes of adolescent girls, especially in rural areas. This study aimed to investigate the perceived constraints faced by adolescent girls in accessing healthcare in Darbhanga, Bihar, and identify socio-demographic factors associated with these barriers.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a 3-month period in Darbhanga, Bihar, involving 250 adolescent girls aged 13-19 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which assessed socio-demographic characteristics and perceived healthcare barriers. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify significant associations between variables.

Results: The study found that 72% of the participants reported barriers to accessing healthcare. Financial constraints (56%) were the most commonly reported, followed by structural (48%), cultural (40%), and knowledge-related barriers (32%). Family income and parental education were significantly associated with perceived barriers (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that low family income (OR = 3.2, p < 0.001) and low parental education (OR = 2.5, p = 0.002) were the strongest predictors of healthcare access constraints.

Conclusion: Adolescent girls in Darbhanga face significant barriers in accessing healthcare, primarily due to financial and structural factors. Socio-economic conditions, such as family income and parental education, play a crucial role in determining the extent of these barriers.

Recommendations: Policymakers should focus on reducing financial barriers and improving healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas. Additionally, educational programs aimed at families and communities could help address cultural and knowledge-related barriers to healthcare access for adolescent girls.