Experiences of pregnant women on access to healthcare services during the Zika virus epidemic between 2015 and 2016 in the municipality of Villavicencio, Colombia : a qualitative study

Background: Zika virus infection during pregnancy is associated with microcephaly and other neurologic sequelae in newborns. In Colombia, 318 cases of microcephaly associated with the infection were identified during the epidemic during 2015-2016. There is a gap in knowledge regarding studies that e...

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Autores:: Gómez Angulo, Héctor Manuel

Tipo de recurso:

Fecha de publicación:: 2018

Institución:: Universidad de los Andes

Repositorio:: Séneca: repositorio Uniandes

Idioma:: eng

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Summary:	Background: Zika virus infection during pregnancy is associated with microcephaly and other neurologic sequelae in newborns. In Colombia, 318 cases of microcephaly associated with the infection were identified during the epidemic during 2015-2016. There is a gap in knowledge regarding studies that explore factors that influence access to healthcare services from the perspective of pregnant women infected with the virus. Methods: A qualitative study with in-depth semi-structured interviews was performed. The study was conducted in Villavicencio, Colombia. Results: We identified four main themes affecting access to healthcare services. First, women knew basic information about the virus, but it was limited. The primary source of this information was the media. Healthcare professionals did not provide appropriate counseling about the virus and its consequences. Second, access to services was delayed due to their lack of availability or limited supply in their municipality. Third, most of the participants made out-of-pocket payments to get access to those services that were not provided, having an impact on their finances. Fourth, participants did not feel satisfied with the health care provided given the lack of provision of the services on time, lack of empathy of healthcare professionals and lack of follow up after their child was born. Conclusions: Several gaps were identified in the provision of healthcare services to pregnant women during the Zika epidemic. Policy-makers need to actively involve the voices of these affected communities in order to develop and implement public policies that adapt and respond to their priorities and needs.

Experiences of pregnant women on access to healthcare services during the Zika virus epidemic between 2015 and 2016 in the municipality of Villavicencio, Colombia : a qualitative study

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