Qualitative analysis of the care in the family planning services offered quechua-speaking patients in Ayacucho, Peru

Abstract

Objectives. The aim of this study was to address and analyze the medical care provided to low-income Quechua women who use the Seguro Integral de Salud (SIS, in Spanish) (comprehensive health insurance) to access family planning services, and to determine whether there is a significant fear toward contraceptive methods because of the forced sterilizations occurred in the past. Materials and Methods. One hundred (100) in-depth interviews were conducted with 70 women, 10 husbands, and 20 health workers in three health centers in the province of Vilcashuaman in Ayacucho. Results. It was found that there is no significant fear of family planning due to past sterilizations, as hypothesized. No significant language barrier was found either, as most health workers spoke or were willing to learn Quechua. There were some misunderstandings and abuse between patients and health workers referred to the use of healthcare services provided by the state. A widespread fear of contraception-related cancer became evident. Conclusions. No significant fear of past sterilizations was found; on the contrary, women are more afraid of the relationship between cancer and contraception. Health worker training should focus on understanding patient perspectives and reducing stigma around poverty, as well as explaining the reasons for being a recipient of the SIS and the "JUNTOS" program.