Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2019)

Women’s Autonomy in Decision-making on Own Healthcare in Tanzania

https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v8i2.15
cresencia A masawe,
PhD
Dar es Salaam University College of Education, Tanzania
gasper
Department of Statistics, University of Dar es Salaam - Tanzania

Corresponding Author(s) : cresencia A masawe,

crissmasawe@gmail.com

Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), Vol. 8 No. 2 (2019)

Abstract

The status of women’s health has a direct influence on their decision-making regarding
their healthcare. This study analyses the determinants of women’s autonomy in decisionmaking regarding their own healthcare in Tanzania. The study uses data from the Tanzania
Demographic and Health Survey, and the Malaria Indicator Survey (TDHS-MIS) conducted
in 2015/2016. The focus of the analysis is on married women within an age range of 15–
49 years. Cross-tabulation and logistic regression model were used to examine the
association between women’s demographic characteristics—such as age, education level,
place of residence, marital status, wealth index, and literacy level—and their autonomy in
decision-making on their own healthcare. The study found that only 19% of the married
women were autonomous in making decisions about their own healthcare. The majority
(81%) depended on their husbands, and/or partners; or someone else to make the final
decision about their healthcare. Women with secondary and post-secondary education—
as well as older, wealthier, and employed women—were autonomous (P<0.001 Odd ratio
=2.30, 95% CI=2.10–2.52). Women’s autonomy in making decisions about their own
healthcare can be attained if their socio-economic status is improved. Access to education
and employment opportunities can lead to women’s empowerment and autonomy. Thus,
to improve women’s autonomy, there is a need to promote their socio-economic status.
Their autonomy in making their own decisions on their own health issues need to be
considered as an important attribute for the use of health services

Keywords

women’s autonomy, demographic characteristics, healthcare decision, Tanzania.
Women’s Autonomy in Decision-making on Own Healthcare in Tanzania. (2020). Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), 8(2). https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v8i2.15
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Women’s Autonomy in Decision-making on Own Healthcare in Tanzania. (2020). Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), 8(2). https://doi.org/10.56279/jhss.v8i2.15
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