Assessing the Impact of Poor Access to Health Facilities on Social Exclusion in Children: A Case Study of Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract

Focus of this research paper is on assessing child social exclusion due to insufficient access to health facilities in Peshawar-Pakistan. A systematic sampling technique was adopted to select and interview 500 children (age group 12–18 years) from seven shopping streets and seven high schools of the District Peshawar. Dichotomous Likert scale was used as measure access to health facilities and social exclusion in children. Chi-square and Kendall’s Tau-b tests were applied to ascertain the association of variables. Social exclusion in children was significantly and negatively associated with parents taking proper care of children health (P=0.000; & T^b= -0.242), availability of qualified doctors in the area (0.000; &T^b= -0.211), visiting hospital/doctor in minor diseases (0.000; & T^b= -0.226), and perceiving one’s self in good health (0.002; & T^b= -0.137). Conversely, social exclusion in children was significantly and positively associated with long time illness (0.000; & T^b= 0.308), family member(s) suffering from mental illness (0.000; & T^b= 0.440) and/or physical disabilities (0.000; & T^b= 0.417) and dissatisfaction from available health facilities (0.001; & T^b= 0.142). Moreover, social exclusion in children due to their poor state of health and wellbeing was spurious in Muslim and non-Muslim children. Awareness, motivation, mobilization, and sensitization of community and family members for timely consultation with doctors and proper treatment of diseases in addition to strengthening the heath system to prevent diseases, and provision of medical aid, were suggested as some of the policy recommendations in the light of the study.

           Keywords: social exclusion, children, health status, religious affiliation