Factors affecting the Choice of Delivery among the Rural Women of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

Abstract

The current study investigated factors affecting the choice of delivery among rural women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The reason behind the election of this research study lies in the high rates of maternal mortality which is due to the various barriers or challenging factors which limit the access of women to healthcare services during childbirth. The study used thematic analysis for the data collected through key informant interviews from lady health workers and doctors. Various socioeconomic, distance and transport, financial, and patriarchal factors were identified as responsible for the preference of home delivery among women in the study area. The study suggested for women’s economic empowerment, promotion of gender equality, improvement in affordability and accessibility of healthcare services, strengthening of healthcare infrastructure, enhancing transportation options, and raising awareness about facility-based deliveries.