Mobile Health Clinics Accessibility and Utilization by Rural Ethiopian Women Farmers: A Protocol Study

Mobile health clinics (MHCS) have been introduced in rural areas to improve access to healthcare services for underserved populations, particularly women farmers who often face barriers to traditional healthcare delivery. A mixed-methods approach will be employed, including a quantitative survey with a structured questionnaire targeting 500 women farmers from selected districts in Ethiopia, complemented by qualitative interviews with 25 key informants. Data analysis will employ descriptive statistics for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative insights. Initial findings suggest that while MHCS are accessible to over 80% of surveyed participants (n=350), utilization rates vary significantly, influenced by factors such as clinic frequency, perceived healthcare needs, and socio-economic status. Women with higher education levels showed a greater tendency to utilise MHCS. This study provides insights into the effectiveness of mobile health clinics in rural Ethiopia, highlighting the need for tailored interventions to improve utilization among specific groups. Future research should focus on developing culturally sensitive health promotion strategies and enhancing clinic services based on participant feedback. Policy recommendations include increasing MHCS frequency and providing educational resources about available services. Mobile Health Clinics, Rural Ethiopia, Women Farmers, Accessibility, Utilization