Impact of User Fees on Access to Quality Health services for Women in Solwezi District

User fees are generally used in government institutions as a means of alleviating pressure on constrained budgets. In 2006, the Zambian Government abolished user fees in all rural areas except urban areas and municipalities like Solwezi. The Government took this position because of the overwhelming poverty levels in the country, the high cost for accessing health care services and the desire to ensure that a base for improving health outcomes was firmed up through the formation of the fundamental elements for attaining universal access.The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of user fees on the quality of health services for women in Solwezi District. The study was conducted at three health facilities: Solwezi General Hospital, Urban Clinic and Kimasala Clinic. The study population included all women aged 15 to 55 years. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 428 women and a focus group discussion guide administered to 20 women. Data was analysed using Epi-info computer software package. The Chi-square (x2) test was used to test for significant associations. Statistical significance was achieved if P