A qualitative study of the barriers to utilizing healthcare services among the tribal population in Assam.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

We aim to explore the barriers to accessing modern healthcare services in two tribal populations in Assam.

Methods

In March 2018, we conducted qualitative research through 60 in-depth interviews with men and women aged 15 to 50 from Bodo and Rabha tribes in Udalguri and Baksa districts of Assam. We interviewed a group of health-service providers from public health facilities to understand the demand-supply balance in those facilities.

Findings

On the demand side, direct and indirect financial obstacles, distance to health facilities, poor public transportation, perceived negative behavior of hospital staff, and lack of infrastructure were the main barriers to utilizing healthcare facilities. On the supply side, doctors and nurses in government health facilit

SUBMITTER: Boro B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7544062 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature