Physical and financial access challenges to seeking child healthcare in a rural district in Ghana

Abstract

Introduction Timely access to available, and affordable essential child healthcare services is important to ensure the well-being of children under five years. However, healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana struggle to realise this goal because of the accessibility challenges that confront the system. Aim To explore the experiences of nurses and caregivers about the physical and financial challenges to accessing child healthcare services in a rural district in Ghana. Methods The study employed a qualitative approach using an exploratory descriptive design to collect data from nurses and caregivers of children under five years of age in the Nkwanta South Municipality, Ghana. Data collected through semi-structured interviews were analysed using qualitative techniques and the results presented in themes and sub-themes. Results The financial challenges to seeking child healthcare were the high costs of child healthcare services and challenges with health insurance ownership. Limited operational hours, long distances, and transportation difficulties to health facilities were the main health facility and physical access challenges to seeking child healthcare. Conclusions The physical and financial access challenges that confronted caregivers of children under-five years of age contributed to delays and non-utilisation of child healthcare services in various of ways. This situation largely contributed to the inadequate child health services utilisation experienced in rural areas. Addressing these challenges could enhance child healthcare access and improve the state of child health.