Barriers to Accessing Post-Natal Care Services for Women in Rural Punjab (Kasur), Pakistan

Barriers to Accessing Post-Natal Care Services

Abstract

Care provided to the mother and her newborn immediately after birth and throughout the postnatal period, up to 6 weeks, is called postnatal care PNC). The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers to postnatal care in Kasur, a district of Punjab.  In Kasur, cultural and socioeconomic factors hinder women from accessing post-natal care services. Using qualitative methodology, this research investigates the barriers to post-natal care by interviewing recently parturient women within a year of marriage, revealing the underlying issue. As a result of the interviews conducted, it was established that patriarchal systems and cultural practices, along with inadequate income and lack of transport, present major hurdles. Addressing these barriers will enhance maternal healthcare in rural communities and integrate the region into global initiatives aimed at lowering maternal and infant mortality rates.