MEASURING WOMEN’S PERCEIVED ABILITY TO OVERCOME BARRIERS TO HEALTHCARE SEEKING IN PAKISTAN USING DHS 2017-2018 DATA

Abstract

One of the main pillars of public health is access to healthcare, which is crucial in the fight against infectious diseases. Using information from the extensive 2017–18 Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey, this study examines the intricate interactions between sociodemographic factors that affect women's perceptions of their capacity to overcome obstacles to health care status in Pakistan. Our study focusses on the fertility and family planning statistics in Pakistan, revealing notable regional variations through a thorough evaluation of a dataset of 2,127 individuals. The median age at first marriage is 20.4 years, and the median age at first birth is 22.8 years. The country's total fertility rate (TFR) is 3.6 births per woman. Currently, 34% of Pakistani women use hospital facilities for family planning, with 25%using good tertiary care facilities. There is a 17% unmet need for family planning, while 49% of the demand is addressed by contemporary approaches. There is less unmet need (15%), 50% of the need is addressed by contemporary methods, and access to health care is higher in urban areas (43% overall and 29% modern ways). Only 29% of people in rural areas use any health services, and only 23% use current ways. Additionally, there is a 19% unmet need, whereas 48% of demands are satisfied by modern methods. Fathers in professional or skilled occupations (70.2% complete immunisation) and younger fathers (92.9% complete immunisation) are more aware of and prioritise women's health. The prevalence of health coverage and health facilities is much greater in wealthier households (76.9% compared to 50.5% in less wealthy households). Lastly, our results demonstrate the complex and multidimensional nature of the sociodemographic factors influencing Pakistani women's perceived access to healthcare. The gathered information forms the basis for focused initiatives meant to improve general health accessibility and safeguard the welfare of the country's mothers.