Factors Affecting Access to Healthcare: An Observational Study of Children under 5 Years of Age Presenting to a Rural Gambian Primary Healthcare Centre.

ABSTRACT:

Main objective

Prompt access to primary healthcare before onset of severe illness is vital to improve morbidity and mortality rates. The Gambia has high rates of child mortality and research is needed to investigate contributing factors further. This study aimed to identify factors affecting access to primary healthcare for children <5 years (y) in rural Gambia focusing on delayed presentation and severe illness at presentation as indicators in a setting where primary healthcare is delivered free of charge.

Methods

Data were extracted from an electronic medical records system at a rural primary healthcare clinic in The Gambia for children (0-5y) between 2009 and 2012. First clinic attendances with malaria, lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) and diarrhoeal disease, the

SUBMITTER: Rees CP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4919103 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature