Uncovering the Lived Experiences and Prenatal Care Disparities Among Women in Rural Communities in Muzaffarabad (Azad Jammu and Kashmir)

Abstract

This research examines the multifaceted challenges faced by rural women in Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in accessing prenatal care. It explores the socio-economic, geographical, cultural, and healthcare system-related factors that hinder the availability and quality of prenatal services in these areas. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study conducts in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 15 rural mothers (until the point of saturation), ensuring the selection of participants who possess direct relevance to the research objectives and enabling a nuanced understanding of their lived experiences. The findings reveal substantial barriers to prenatal care, including insufficient healthcare infrastructure, financial limitations, entrenched traditional beliefs, and geographic isolation, compounded by a shortage of trained healthcare professionals. The research underscores the pressing need for targeted interventions, such as the strengthening of healthcare infrastructure, community-based educational initiatives, and comprehensive policy reforms, to address these challenges. This study contributes to the improvement of maternal and child health outcomes by providing evidence-based recommendations for equitable access to prenatal care in underserved rural regions. It also serves to raise awareness about the unique barriers faced by rural women in securing essential healthcare services, thereby fostering a more informed approach to policy development and healthcare planning.