Healthcare Accessibility and Outcomes in Rural Oromia, Ethiopia: A Mixed Methods Comparative Analysis

Rural areas in Ethiopia often face challenges in accessing quality healthcare services, which can significantly impact health outcomes. Oromia is one of the most populous regions with significant rural populations. A mixed methods approach combining quantitative data from surveys and qualitative insights through interviews and focus groups was employed to analyse the performance of rural health facilities. Public health centers in one district were found to have significantly higher patient satisfaction rates (85%) compared to another, where only 60% reported high levels of service quality. The study underscores the importance of equitable healthcare access and improvement strategies tailored to specific regions within Oromia. Strategic investments should be prioritised in underperforming health centers to enhance patient experiences and outcomes. healthcare accessibility, rural Ethiopia, mixed methods, public health facilities