The Community's Subjective Experiences and Barriers to Accessing Healthcare Services in Remote Areas: A Phenomenological Study
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Abstract
Access to healthcare in remote areas remains a significant challenge, with many individuals facing barriers that hinder their ability to obtain essential services. While structural factors like distance and economic constraints are well-documented, less is known about the subjective experiences of these individuals and how these experiences shape their healthcare decisions. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of people in remote areas regarding healthcare access, focusing on their perceptions, emotions, and decisions. Using a phenomenological approach, we investigated how geographic isolation, stigma, and economic hardship influence healthcare-seeking behavior. Through in-depth interviews with 12 participants, we identified key themes, including the impact of geographic distance, limited access to information, and fear of economic consequences in seeking medical care. These findings highlight the complex, multifaceted nature of healthcare access and underscore the importance of understanding the emotional and cultural dimensions of healthcare decision-making. Our study contributes to the literature by emphasizing the importance of integrating subjective experiences into policy frameworks, offering insights into the lived realities of underserved populations. By doing so, it provides actionable guidance for policymakers to design culturally sensitive healthcare policies and interventions.These insights provide a foundation for future research into culturally sensitive healthcare policies and interventions for underserved populations.
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