A Qualitative Study of Women’s Perspectives of Antenatal Care in Rural Areas of the Lao PDR
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Abstract
This qualitative study investigated the perspectives of women in rural Lao PDR on the importance of antenatal care (ANC) and the factors influencing their views. Despite recent economic growth in the Lao PDR, the healthcare infrastructure remains underdeveloped, particularly in rural areas. This disparity has significant implications for maternal and neonatal health. A purposive sample of 36 women from six sub-districts in five districts, Bokeo province, Lao PDR, was recruited. In-depth interviews collected data through semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was employed to identify common themes. Results showed that although many women valued ANC for maternal and neonatal health, some held negative views or disagreed with its importance. Key themes included financial and logistical constraints, cultural beliefs, negative experiences with healthcare providers, lack of awareness of ANC benefits, reliance on personal experiences, fear of medical interventions, perceived low quality of ANC services, privacy concerns, belief in self-reliance, and influence of social and family networks. In brief, the study highlights the need for culturally sensitive interventions to address barriers to ANC access and raise awareness of its benefits. Policymakers and healthcare professionals should collaborate to improve care quality and cultural sensitivity, address financial and logistical challenges, and foster trust between healthcare providers and pregnant women. These efforts can enhance the region’s maternal and neonatal health outcomes and inform future interventions and policies to increase ANC uptake and care quality in rural Lao PDR.
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References
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