A qualitative study of the experiences of pregnant women in accessing healthcare services during the Zika virus epidemic in Villavicencio, Colombia, 2015–2016

• Published in: International journal of gynecology and obstetrics Vol. 148; no. S2; pp. 29 - 35
• Main Authors: Gomez, Hector M., Mejia Arbelaez, Carlos, Ocampo Cañas, Jovana A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States John Wiley and Sons Inc 01.01.2020
• Subjects: Access; Adult; Colombia; Epidemics; Experience; Female; Fetal Diseases - diagnosis; Fetal Diseases - virology; Grounded Theory; Health Services Accessibility - economics; Health Services Accessibility - standards; Healthcare services; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Microcephaly - diagnosis; Microcephaly - virology; Needs Assessment; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious - therapy; Pregnant women; Qualitative; Qualitative Research; Supplement; Zika Virus; Zika Virus Infection - therapy; Zika Virus Infection - transmission; Colombia; Colombia; Experience; Healthcare services; Pregnant women; Access; Zika virus; Qualitative
• ISSN: 0020-7292; 1879-3479
• DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13045

Objective To explore the perceptions and experiences of pregnant women in accessing healthcare services during the epidemic in Colombia during 2015–2016. Methods A qualitative study using semistructured interviews was conducted in Villavicencio. Six women who had been diagnosed with Zika virus infection during their pregnancies and whose fetus had suspected microcephaly participated in the investigation. Grounded theory was used and thematic content analysis was made for each category identified. Results Three main themes affecting access to healthcare services were identified: (1) women knew basic information about the virus, but it was limited; (2) access to services was delayed due to their lack of availability or limited supply in the municipality; and (3) most of the participants made out‐of‐pocket payments to get access to services that were not provided. Conclusions Several gaps were identified in the provision of healthcare services to pregnant women during the Zika epidemic. Policy makers need to utilize the results from affected communities to develop and implement public policies that adapt and respond to their priorities and needs. Policy makers need to consider identified gaps when they adapt and implement new clinical care guidelines for maternal and perinatal health.