Removing complacency as a barrier: How Tanzanians can access better health care

Background: Few studies of this nature have been conducted in the developing world even though one's access to care is a key indicator of improved health outcomes and well-being.

Objectives: This study surveyed patients in rural, urban, private and public health facilities of Tanzania for their perceptions on barriers to health care access. It sought to identify care seeking behaviors amongst Tanzanians.

Methods: Surveys were administered amongst patients at three health facilities in Tanzania during Summer 2006. Overall, 184 patients were surveyed. Of these, 71(39%) were women and 184(60%) were men. There were 83(45%) surveys completed in a public, urban setting and 101(55%) completed in a rural, private setting. Individuals were asked qualitative questions on their perceptions of health care in Tanzania and their previous utilization of services. The data will be analyzed using SPSS.

Results: Preliminary results indicate that, in general, Tanzanians experience many barriers when accessing care. The majority (71(39%)) of respondents saw themselves as having fair health versus only 6(0.3%) who identified themselves as being in excellent health. The responses identified cost, transportation, lack of services, bribery, and long wait times as barriers to seeking care. In addition, even when respondents sought care they were fearful of the judgment and stigmatization by health care professionals.

Conclusions: Tanzanians face many barriers to health care which are dependent upon the type of facility and gender. These barriers can be mitigated through the support of the local government, policymakers and the attention of the international community.