INFLUENCES OF GENDER ON ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN AMANSEA RURAL COMMUNITY, AWKA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Abstract

This research work examined the influences of gender on access to healthcare services in Amansea rural community, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Two research questions guided the study. The feminist theory served as the theoretical framework. The study employed a mixed methods research design using a sample size of 204 respondents. The questionnaire and in-depth interview guide were the instruments used for data collection. They we're administered on a face-to-face basis by the researcher with the aid of two research assistants. Data collected through the questionnaire were processed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software application. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency tables, simple percentages and charts. The qualitative data collected from the field were transcribed which was thoroughly edited, and analyzed thematically using narrative method of qualitative data analysis. The study found that the nature of gender influences on access to healthcare services in Amansea community include; financial barriers, structural gender inequalities in health sector, social norms restricting female gender access to health service among others. The study also found out that the specific barriers faced by women includes; poverty, cultural hindrances, non involvement of women in decision making regarding health services etc. The study recommends actions to facilitates and improve the relation between formal and informal health sector, and to halt socioeconomic inequalities. The need to involve women organizations as intervention tools to address socio-economic and gender-based disparities in access to healthcare services in Amansea community were also recommended.