SEHAT
Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025): Medical Studies and Health Journal (SEHAT)

HEALTH EQUITY IN URBAN SLUMS: BARRIERS TO MATERNAL HEALTHCARE ACCESS AND OUTCOMES IN DEVELOPING MEGACITIES

Ifania Ifania (Institut Kesehatan dan Bisnis Annisa, Bogor, West Jabar, Indonesia)
Winda Dwi Lestari (Institut Kesehatan dan Bisnis Annisa, Bogor, West Jabar, Indonesia)
Ferawati Ferawati (Institut Kesehatan dan Bisnis Annisa, Bogor, West Jabar, Indonesia)
Sisi Amailia (Institut Kesehatan dan Bisnis Annisa, Bogor, West Jabar, Indonesia)
Dika Maretika Sobari (Institut Kesehatan dan Bisnis Annisa, Bogor, West Jabar, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
12 Apr 2025

Abstract

Access to maternal healthcare remains a critical challenge for women living in urban slums of developing megacities. Rapid urbanization has created densely populated informal settlements with inadequate sanitation, limited healthcare infrastructure, and high maternal mortality. This study systematically reviews social, economic, and structural barriers to maternal healthcare access. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 19 peer-reviewed articles (2010–2025) were analyzed using thematic coding guided by the Social Determinants of Health and Andersen Behavioral Model. Findings reveal that restrictive gender norms, stigma, and low health literacy limit utilization, while poverty, high transportation costs, and lack of insurance further impede access. Structural challenges, including insufficient facilities, poor transport, and non-inclusive policies, exacerbate inequities. These barriers interact, creating compounded challenges for women in urban slums. Addressing them requires integrated interventions, including financial support, community-based services, inclusive digital health solutions, and policy reforms. The study provides evidence-based insights to enhance maternal health equity and advance Sustainable Development Goal 3.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

sehat

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Neuroscience Nursing Public Health

Description

Medical Studies and Health Journal (SEHAT) is an open access, peer-reviewed journal published. SEHAT encompasses basic, molecular, and clinical aspects of medical sciences, including diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and epidemiology of communicable and non-communicable diseases in the ...