Socioeconomic Dynamics in Women's Access and Utilization of Health Technologies in Rural Nigeria.

Abstract

Technology has become a powerful tool for resolving women's health problems hence women's access and use of healthcare technologies have become an important aspect of the Sustainable Development Goals. Though health technologies have improved the lives of women worldwide, in Nigeria, especially in rural settings, use of health technologies remains low. The objective of this study was to examine the socioeconomic dynamics that influence the use of health technologies by women in rural Nigeria. A cross sectional survey using qualitative methods to collect data from 147 purposively selected women (15-65 years) was conducted in three rural Local Government Areas in Enugu State. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and In-depth interview guides were used to collect information from 147 purposively selected women and healthcare workers on access and use of health technologies among women in rural communities. Thematic analytic method was used to analyze the data. The data gathered revealed that there was unavailability of health technologies in some communities studied while many had skeletal provision of health technologies. Bad road networks, cost of transportation and unavailability of health technologies impacted on access. Low socioeconomic status of rural women influenced their use of health technologies. Health technologies especially diagnostic technologies are not available in rural communities. Women cannot access what is not available. The study recommends need for the provision of these lifesaving technologies at little or no cost.