Determinants of Healthcare Accessibility Among Women in Tajikistan

Abstract

This thesis investigates the determinants of healthcare accessibility among women in Tajikistan, a critical issue in the broader context of global health and gender equality. Tajikistan, a post-Soviet nation with unique socio-economic challenges, provides a compelling case study for examining gender disparities in healthcare access. This research is particularly pertinent given the country's commitments to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 3, which emphasizes good health and well-being. The objective of this research is to examine the challenges women in Tajikistan face accessing healthcare services and identify the major barriers limiting their access. The study employs a data from the 2017 Tajikistan Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS). The analysis employs ordered logistical regression to uncover determinants of barriers among the female sample, categorized from none to limitations across five domains – permission, transportation, cost, companionship and domestic violence. Key findings demonstrate rural women encounter more healthcare struggles than urban residents. Each additional household member raises odds of barriers by 5%. Financial hardship, measured by bank account ownership, significantly predicts struggles (20% lower odds for account holders). An inability to make independent healthcare decisions correlates with over 10% higher likelihood of access issues when partner or others decide. Domestic violence victims have 21% heightened odds across all domains The result suggests a need for targeted policy measures to improve healthcare accessibility for women in Tajikistan, particularly rural and economically marginalized groups. Recommended interventions include bolstering healthcare infrastructure, promoting healthcare education, and challenging cultural barriers impeding access to healthcare services.