BACKGROUND: The Ghana @entity497 ( @entity497 ) strategy targets to bring health services to the doorsteps of clients in a manner that improves maternal and @entity1 health outcomes. In this strategy, referral is an important component but it is threatened in a rural context where transportation service is a problem. Few studies have examined perceptions of rural dwellers on transportation challenges in accessing maternal health care services within @entity497 . METHODS: Using the political ecology of health framework, this paper investigates transportation barriers in health access in a rural context based on perceived cause, coping mechanisms and strategies for a sustainable transportation system. Eight (8) focus group discussions involving males (n   =   40) and females (n   =   45) in rural communities in a @entity497 zone in the Upper West Region of Ghana were conducted between September and December 2013. RESULTS: Lack of vehicular transport is suppressing the potential positive impact of @entity497 on maternal and @entity1 health. Consistent neglect of road infrastructural development and endemic poverty in the study area makes provision of alternative transport services for health care difficult. As a result, pregnant @entity1 use risky methods such as bicycle/tricycle/motorbikes to access obstetric health care services, and some turn to traditional medicines and traditional birth attendants for maternal health care services. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the need for policy to address rural transport problems in order to improve maternal health. Community based transport strategy with @entity497 is proposed to improve adherence to referral and @entity341 .

Can she make it? Transportation barriers to accessing maternal and XXXX health care services in rural Ghana.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['women', 'child'] @entity341 :: ('MESH:D004630', 'Disease') :: ['access to emergency obstetric services'] @entity497 :: ('MESH:D003147', 'Disease') :: ['Community based Health Planning and Services', 'CHPS']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['child']
