Assessment of Barriers to Reproductive Health Service Utilization among Bench Maji Zone Pastoralist Communities

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The reproductive health (RH) needs and challenges inpastoralist area are different from elsewhere. People in this area live invery traditional settings and adhere strongly to traditional cultural valuesand beliefs. Some of these beliefs are known to lead to poor sexual andRH outcomes. Thus, the objective of the study was to identify barriers ofRH service utilization among pastoralist communities of Bench Majizone.METHODS: This study was conducted in pastoralist communities of 5woredas in Bench Maji zone. Qualitative study was conducted throughFGD, IDI and KII. For this study 15 FGDs, 5 IDI and 5 KII wereconducted. Recorded data was first transcribed in to local languages andtranslated to English by experts. The data was coded and themes wereidentified. Finally the result was presented narratively.RESULTS: The major challenges of RH service utilization identified inthis study were preference of female professionals, preference of homedelivery, cultural influences, lack of knowledge, decision maker relatedbarriers, and health facility related barriers. Husband disapproval wassignificant challenge for utilization of services. Family disapproval foradolescent RH service utilization and judgmental approach of healthprofessionals for contraceptive utilization were also common barriers.CONCLUSIONS: Preference of female professionals, preference of homedelivery, cultural influences, lack of knowledge, decision maker barrier,and health facility related barriers were identified barriers. Therefore,awareness creation to the community, and capacity building to healthprofessionals are recommended.