Abstract:
Globally, maternal health disparities persist across various regions, with vulnerable
populations facing greater challenges in accessing quality healthcare services.
Approximately 830 women die every day from preventable causes related to
pregnancy and childbirth. Maternal health services are critical for reducing
complications during childbirth, yet access remains a challenge among fisherfolk
communities in Tanzania. The government of Tanzania has taken significant
measures to promote maternal health and wellness. Yet, maternal mortality rates
among fisherfolk in Tanzania are alarmingly high due to limited access and quality
of maternal health care services. This study aims to explore the experiences of
fisherfolk communities at Nyumba ya Mungu in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, regarding
maternal health services in cases of fatal complications. The study was guided by the
model of human security and the Health Believes model as theoretical framework. A
qualitative study through a phenomenological research design was conducted by
using 21 community members at Nyumba ya Mungu, Kilimanjaro. Focus group
discussions, key informants, observations and photography were the data collection
methods used in this study for the purposive sampling method. The findings revealed
that limited access to health care facilities, transport facilities, geographical factors
and socio-cultural beliefs significantly contribute to delays in seeking maternal
health services among the fisherfolk community at Nyumba ya Mungu. The study
concludes that, there is a need for improving access to maternal healthcare services
in marginalized communities and calls for targeted interventions to address cultural
barri
