Accessibility, availability and perceived quality of reproductive health services in selected urban areas of Bangladesh : user and non users ’ perspectives

Abstract

The study explored both users and non-users’ perspective on accessibility, availability and perceived quality of reproductive health services, and challenges for non-availing services offered from selected urban primary health care facilities. A cross sectional study having both quantitative and qualitative components was conducted in 14 facilities in Sylhet city corporation area of Bangladesh. In general respondents were satisfied with the services they received from the clinics. The main reasons of satisfaction were: low cost services, good behavior of provider, and waiting time. Users in both types of urban healthcare facilities expressed needs for additional services: provision of additional laboratory tests and medicine supplies with low costs and introducing male providers for serving males. The non-users were unaware about the range of services offered by the facilities. Community health promoters can introduce awareness building at the community on availability of existing services and enhancing utilization of healthcare.