Background of the study:
Social inequality, characterized by disparities in income, education, and social status, has far-reaching effects on various aspects of life, particularly healthcare access. In Ivo Local Government Area, rural women face substantial barriers in obtaining quality healthcare due to entrenched socio-economic disadvantages. Limited financial resources, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and restrictive cultural norms hinder their ability to access necessary medical services. These inequalities are further compounded by geographical isolation and a shortage of specialized healthcare providers in rural settings. As a result, rural women are more vulnerable to untreated illnesses and experience poorer health outcomes compared to their urban counterparts. Recent studies indicate that social inequality is a significant determinant of healthcare accessibility, with marginalized groups often being the most affected (Ifeoma, 2023). Additionally, gender-based disparities further restrict access, underscoring the need for targeted interventions (Nkemdilim, 2024). This study examines the impact of social inequality on rural women’s access to healthcare, aiming to highlight the multifaceted barriers they face and propose solutions for more equitable service delivery (Chukwuemeka, 2025).
Statement of the problem:
In Ivo, rural women encounter persistent challenges in accessing quality healthcare due to systemic social inequalities. The combined effects of low income, limited educational opportunities, and cultural restrictions severely limit their ability to secure medical services. Inadequate healthcare facilities and long distances to hospitals exacerbate these issues, leaving rural women with substandard care and delayed treatments. This inequity contributes to adverse health outcomes and a widened gap in healthcare access between different social groups. The study seeks to identify the factors driving these disparities and propose policy interventions to improve healthcare access for rural women (Ifeoma, 2023; Nkemdilim, 2024).
Objectives of the study:
To examine the influence of social inequality on healthcare access for rural women.
To identify key barriers hindering healthcare utilization.
To recommend policies for enhancing equitable healthcare access.
Research questions:
How does social inequality affect rural women’s access to healthcare in Ivo?
What are the main barriers to healthcare utilization among rural women?
What policy measures can improve healthcare accessibility for these women?
Research Hypotheses:
H1: Social inequality negatively impacts rural women’s access to healthcare.
H2: Financial constraints are a significant barrier to healthcare access.
H3: Policy interventions can mitigate the adverse effects of social inequality on healthcare access.
Significance of the study:
This study is significant as it evaluates the impact of social inequality on rural women’s access to healthcare, providing a basis for targeted policy reforms. The findings offer insights into systemic barriers and suggest interventions to promote equitable health service delivery, ultimately improving health outcomes for marginalized women in Ivo (Ifeoma, 2023; Chukwuemeka, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to examining the impact of social inequality on rural women's access to healthcare in Ivo Local Government Area.
Definitions of terms:
Social Inequality: Disparities in income, education, and social status within a society.
Healthcare Access: The ability to obtain necessary medical services.
Rural Women: Female residents living in non-urban areas.
Background of the study:
Police brutality, defined by the excessive and unwarranted use of force by law enforcement, has be...
Background of the Study
Political stability is a critical determinant of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. Investors are drawn to...
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Public health campaigns play an essential role in educating the public ab...
Background of the Study
Effective teacher recruitment is crucial for ensuring high-quality education, particularly in STEM...
ABSTRACT
Respect and cooperation are concepts of social values that accord dignity, honour to others and ensure collaboration to achieve...
Background of the Study
Leadership development programs are essential for nurturing the skills, knowledge, and abilities of individuals i...
Background of the Study
Study groups are commonly used as a collaborative learning strategy, particularly in challenging academic fields...
Background of the Study
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the financial services industry by enabling more ef...
Background of the Study
The hospitality sector is critical to economic growth and tourism development, especially in Cro...
Background of the Study
Digital marketing has become a critical tool in expanding the reach of business banking services. F...