Health Care Access for Women in Rural Haiti
Abstract
The goal of this study was to identify the most prevalent preventable and manageable diseases for females in the rural community of Boucan, Haiti. Medical data collected from a two-day clinic (June 27–28, 2011) used statistical analysis to determine the most prevalent diagnoses and health care needs of females in Boucan. The most prevalent diagnoses included gastrointestinal problems, vitamin deficiency, vaginal problems, lung infection, cardiovascular problems, and parasites. Less prevalent diagnoses included musculoskeletal problems, skin infections, eye disorders, ear infections, intrauterine pregnancy, and urinary tract infections. All diagnoses reported were preventable and manageable with proper access to medical care and drug therapy treatments. Future research should focus on access to health care in order for individuals to receive needed medical treatments. Additionally, qualitative studies should be conducted to gain the perspective of community members’ greatest health concerns.