ANALYSING THE IMPACT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS ON GENDER, INCOME, AND MARITAL STATUS

Abstract

This study explores the impact of sustainable development initiatives in rural healthcare systems on key demographic factors such as gender, income, and marital status. The present study analyzed the stated factors for health facility utilization in rural populations. Data collection was through a structured questionnaire, adapted to suit respondents' preference for a sample size of 150 from rural areas. It also established that economic status and healthcare access significantly lower the gap in healthcare access between males and females and, thus, are critical factors in promoting gender equity. However, factors like family size and education were less influential in determining healthcare usage and income levels. Marital status, in particular, showed minimal impact from these “predictors, suggesting that other factors may play a more significant role in shaping healthcare access in rural settings”. These findings have significant implications for targeted economic status interventions for improving health equity in rural areas, while at the same time pointing toward the importance of further research into the cultural and social dynamics that shape access to care.