title: Barriers to Maori sole mothers' primary health care access.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  International research consistently shows that sole mothers experience poorer health and suboptimal health care access. New Zealand studies on sole mothers' health report similar findings. The aim of this exploratory research was to better understand the experiences of Maori sole mothers' access to health services, particularly primary health care, for personal health needs.
  
  
  METHODS
  This qualitative study employed a general inductive design informed by a Kaupapa Maori approach, providing guidance on appropriate cultural protocols for recruiting and engaging Maori participants. Distributing written information and snowballing techniques were used to purposively recruit seven Maori sole mothers. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews which were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using general inductive thematic analysis to identify commonalities and patterns in participants' experiences.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The dominant themes that emerged captured and described participants' experiences in accessing health care. The major barrier to access reported was cost. Compounding cost, transport difficulties and location or scheduling of services were additional barriers to health service accessibility. Child-related issues also posed a barrier, including prioritising children's needs and childcare over personal health needs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings illuminate Maori sole mothers' experiences of accessing health care and the complex socioeconomic inequalities affecting access options and uptake of services. Further investigation of barriers to access is needed. The study has implications for addressing barriers to access at policy, funding and practice levels to improve health outcomes and equitable health care access for Maori sole mothers.
authors.affiliation: Health Systems Section, School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Rochelle
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: North
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services; D009520:New Zealand / Q000208:ethnology; D011203:Poverty / Q000208:ethnology; D011320:Primary Health Care; D036301:Qualitative Research; D015406:Single Parent