Gendered Dimensions of Health-Seeking Behaviour: Evidence from Caregivers of Children Under Five in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

Abstract

Gender norms play a critical role in influencing health-seeking behaviour, yet their influence on caregivers' decision-making for children under five remains underexplored in Tanzania. This study examined how culturally constructed gender roles affect caregivers' ability to recognise illness, make healthcare decisions, and access timely treatment in Morogoro Municipality. A qualitative research design was employed, combining semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and non-participant observations with 12 caregivers. Thematic analysis revealed three main findings: (i) women are the primary caregivers responsible for identifying and monitoring childhood illnesses but face limited autonomy due to male authority and financial control, (ii) men's roles as household heads and financial providers grant them ultimate decision-making power over healthcare access, and (iii) women exercise situational agency, particularly during emergencies, though these actions often risk social disapproval. The findings are interpreted through the lens of the Gender and Development (GAD) theory, highlighting how gendered power relations mediate health-seeking behaviours and influence child health outcomes. The study underscores the need for interventions that address structural gender inequalities, including community education, male engagement in child health responsibilities, and women's economic empowerment. By enlightening the intersection of gender norms and child health, this research contributes to advancing SDGs 3 (good health and well-being) and 5 (gender equality) in low-resource contexts.