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ObjectivesNeonatal mortality remains persistently high in low-income and middle-income countries. In Cambodia, there is a paucity of data on the perception of neonatal health and care-seeking behaviours at the community level. This study aimed to identify influencers of neonatal health and healthcare-seeking behaviour in a rural Cambodian province.DesignA qualitative study using focus group discussions and thematic content analysis.SettingFour health centres in a rural province of Northern Cambodia.ParticipantsTwenty-four focus group discussions were conducted with 85 community health workers in 2019.ResultsCommunity health workers recognised an improvement in neonatal health over time. Key influencers to neonatal health were identified as knowledge, sociocultural behaviours, finances and transport, provision of care and healthcare engagement. Most influencers acted as both barriers and facilitators, with the exception of finances and transport that only acted as a barrier, and healthcare engagement that acted as a facilitator.ConclusionUnderstanding health influencers and care-seeking behaviours is recognised to facilitate appropriate community health programmes. Key influencers and care-seeking behaviours have been identified from rural Cambodia adding to the current literature. Where facilitators have already been established, they should be used as building blocks for continued change.

Original publication

DOI

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035449

Type

Journal article

Journal

BMJ open

Publication Date

12/07/2020

Volume

10

Addresses

Global Child Health Department, Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap, Cambodia gabriellawatson@hotmail.com.

Keywords

Humans, Focus Groups, Qualitative Research, Infant, Newborn, Rural Population, Child Health Services, Health Services Accessibility, Cambodia, Help-Seeking Behavior