V2I8P52

Socioeconomic Marginality of Rural Women in Accessing Maternal Health Services in Chibombo District, Central Province, Zambia

Lungowe Maria Mundia^1*, Dr. Hema Hargovan²

Abstract

Rural women encounter various factors that include low education level, early marriages, poverty and lack of employment that cause socioeconomic marginalities. Girls in Zambia usually attain primary education only and get married early, these factors negatively affect access to maternal health services. This research aimed to explore the socioeconomic marginality of rural women in accessing maternal health services in Chibombo District, Central Province, Zambia. An explanatory sequential mixed methods was used to collect and analyse data. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling were employed to recruit participants for this research. Quantitative data was collected through a questionnaire survey, qualitative data was collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Quantitative data was captured and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version). Qualitative data was analysed thematically. Intersecting socioeconomic marginalities such as early pregnancies and marriages, low educational level and unemployment were reported as barriers to accessing maternal health services. To address the marginalities, the government of the Republic of Zambia should provide free access to maternal health services and educate rural communities on the importance of accessing maternal health services.

Keywords:

Marginality, early pregnancy, education, maternal health access