title: Equity in access to health care provision under the medicare security for small scale entrepreneurs in Dar es Salaam.
abstract: The main objective of this study was to assess equity in access to health care provision under the Medicare Security for Small Scale Entrepreneurs (SSE). Methodological triangulation was used to an exploratory and randomized cross- sectional study in order to supplement information on the topic under investigation. Questionnaires were administered to 281 respondents and 6 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were held with males and females. Documentary review was also used. For quantitative aspect of the study, significant associations were measured using confidence intervals (95% CI) testing. Qualitative data were analyzed with assistance of Open code software. The results show that inequalities in access to health care services were found in respect to affordability of medical care costs, distance from home to health facilities, availability of drugs as well as medical equipments and supplies. As the result of existing inequalities some of clients were not satisfied with the provided health services. The study concludes by drawing policy and research implications of the findings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Research Promotion Advocacy and Registration, National Institute for Medical Research, P.O.BOX 9653, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. jurassa@yahoo.com
authors.forename: J A E
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Urassa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000191:economics*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012935:Social Justice; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013636:Tanzania