Factors Related to ‘Third delay’ in a Tertiary level Health Care Facility

Abstract

Introduction: The third delay in receiving adequate treatment after reaching a healthcare facility significantly impacts maternal and emergency healthcare outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. This study investigates the factors contributing to this delay at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barisal, Bangladesh. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted over six months, from January to June 2014, involving 200 women admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department. Data were collected using a semi-structured data collection sheet and analyzed using SPSS software, with descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis applied to present the findings. Results: The study found that the majority of participants were Muslim (87.50%), with an average age of 25.3 years and a mean monthly family income of 9420 Bdt. More than half (54.50%) received antenatal care. The average duration of treatment was 6.59 days. Timely medical decisions were made for 67.50% of participants, while 32.50% experienced delays. Referrals were necessary for 34.50% of participants, and 44.00% reported high workload. Staff shortages and absenteeism were reported by 12.00% and 2.00% of participants, respectively. Lack of equipment and unavailability of blood were concerns for 19.00% and 42.00% of participants, respectively. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to address socio-economic disparities, infrastructural deficiencies, and systemic inefficiencies to reduce delays and improve healthcare outcomes. These findings can guide policymakers and healthcare administrators in implementing effective strategies to enhance the quality of healthcare services in similar settings.