Table 3 Barriers to seeking essential health services in communities during the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 110)
n | % | |
|---|---|---|
Reasons related to information, perception and government recommendations | ||
Fear of getting infected with COVID-19 at facilities | 36 | 32.7 |
Fear of getting infected with COVID-19 by leaving house | 34 | 30.9 |
Recommendations to the public to avoid facility visits for mild illness during the pandemic | 19 | 17.2 |
Recommendations to the public to delay routine care visits until further notice during the pandemic | 9 | 8.1 |
Not knowing where to seek care during the pandemic | 12 | 10.9 |
Reasons related to physical access and cost | ||
Lockdown, curfew or stay-at-home order | 10 | 9 |
Disruption in public transportation | 21 | 19 |
Household income dropped during the pandemic | 20 | 18.1 |
Lost health insurance during the pandemic | 11 | 10 |
Higher cost because of unavailability of regular care provider (e.g. need to go to providers who charge higher fees) | 7 | 6.3 |
Reasons related to health facilities | ||
Facility closure due to COVID-19 | 5 | 4.5 |
Reduced or changed opening hours at facilities due to COVID-19 | 5 | 4.5 |
Provision of specific services suspended at facilities due to COVID-19 | 6 | 5.4 |
Disrupted or poor service provision at facilities due to COVID-19 (limited availability of medicines, commodities and staff) | 9 | 8.1 |
Longer wait times at facilities because of the current crisis context | 11 | 10 |
Other | 1 | 0.9 |
The first contact point to seek advice or receive care when the community feel unwell | ||
Community health worker | 96 | 87.7 |
Dispensary or health post | 41 | 37.2 |
Hospital | 72 | 65.4 |
Pharmacist or drug/medicine shop | 24 | 21.8 |
COVID testing centre | 22 | 20 |
COVID phone line | 6 | 5.4 |
Other trained healthcare provider | 13 | 11.8 |
Traditional healer | 14 | 12.7 |
Internet or virtual forum | 6 | 5.4 |
Other | 1 | 0.9 |