The Role of Community Spaces and Mechanisms in Health Promotion Amongst the Poor Communities in Rural Pakistan
Abstract
The aim of this qualitative research study was to identify the type of community spaces available for maternal, new-born and child health (MNCH) promotion, to understand the role of community spaces to empower women and poor or marginalised groups, and to suggest ways to use these spaces more effectively for health promotion. One village in each of the 3 most socially and economically deprived districts of Pakistan (Thatta, Rajanpur and Ghizer) was selected as study sites. A literature review was used to frame research questions and methodology. Data was collected via document reviews, interviews with 25 staff from 6 MNCH programmes, and 37 focus group discussions with 15-20 women and 15-20 men at each study site. The study identified 4 types of formal community spaces for health promotion, and recommends moving away from health promotion around awareness of health-issues and access to health services. Instead it recommends moving to promotion for mobilisation of rights and entitlements and citizen-state local accountability.
Citation
Khan, F.A.; Aziz, A. The Role of Community Spaces and Mechanisms in Health Promotion Amongst the Poor Communities in Rural Pakistan. (2014)
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