Abstract

Objective: To assess the barriers to healthcare service delivery faced by the lady health workers (LHW) in Rawalpindi.
Methodology: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the Rawalpindi district, Pakistan. A validated structured Google form was used. By systematic random sampling, 114 LHWs were selected with minimum of three months experience. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were applied.
Results: Mean age was 47.71±6.017 years, and mean job experience was 20 years. The barriers faced were 90% overburdened by supplementary activities, 72% lack of equipment supply, and 62% deficiencies in training. The 54% antenatal, 48% postnatal, and 52% referral were training deficiencies. A total of 50% of the LHWs were dissatisfied with salary. A total of 38% of participants faced problems while providing community services, 27% faced rude behavior of family members, and 25% faced resistance by males while providing services in the community. Seventy-seven percent had issues while travelling to their job, and 44% felt unsafe travelling.
Conclusion: The barriers faced by LHWs were related to salary, duties, and community. It is critical to address these concerns to improve their well-being and efficiency of LHWs.

Key words: Lady health workers, community health workers, barriers, primary health care.