Child and Maternal Mortality
in Islamic Countries
77
Figure 3.23. Barriers to accessing MNCH services, Bangladesh
(1= Most significant barrier; 2= Second most significant barrier; 3= Moderate barrier; 4=
Somewhat of a barrier; 5= Not a barrier)
Perceived barriers that prevent families from seeking delivery care from skilled birth
attendant (SBA) or facility
Although physical accessibility was not identified as a major barrier for the overall access to
health care services, on inquiring about the perceived barriers that prevent families from
seeking delivery care from a skilled birth attendant or at a facility, the respondents identified it
as close to "moderate barrier" (mean score of 3.5). Supply of essential drugs (3.1) and financial
affordability (2.6) were perceived as moderate barriers. Quality of care (1.3) was reported as
the most significant barrier.
As one informant stated: “We are struggling around quality of care.”
Another responded stated: “More midwives are needed. And Acceptability of Services is poor
because of fears/perceptions about the quality of care. For example, they are afraid that if they go
for delivery services, they will have to get a c-section.”
Another verbatim: “They don't want to go to the health facility because the quality of care is very
poor and it will cost them money.”