Essential Healthcare Services Research Articles

Pandemic lessons on essential healthcare services for the urban poor: a qualitative perspective of users and providers in Bangladesh

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic imposed unprecedented challenges to health systems globally. This study explored slum dwellers’ experience of receiving essential health services during the pandemic and the challenges faced by healthcare...

Healthcare Barriers and Policy Implications for Non-Syrian Refugees Under International Protection in Türkiye

Türkiye hosts the largest number of refugees in the world, but research has mainly focused on Syrian refugees. This study fills this gap by exploring the experiences of non-Syrian refugees in accessing health services in Türkiye challenges they face. Using a qualitative methodology, 32 participants were selected, and data was collected through in-depth interviews. The analysis revealed three main themes: "health conditions of refugees," "difficulties in accessing health services" and "Professionals’ recommendations". The findings indicate that non-Syrian refugees face significant obstacles, including legal restrictions, financial constraints, language barriers, lack of knowledge of rights and discriminatory attitudes on the part of some health professionals. Access to mental health treatment was particularly difficult for non-Syrian refugees. This study has significant implications for policy makers and healthcare providers and identifies critical areas for intervention to improve access to essential healthcare services.

The Impact of Legal Abortion on Maternal Mortality

Legal abortion has recently been suggested as an essential health care service. In this study, we consider whether abortion legalization over 1969–1973 improved women’s health as measured by maternal mortality. Our event study results indicate that legal abortion substantially lowered non-White maternal mortality by 30–50 percent, with 134 non-White maternal deaths averted nationally in the first year abortion became legal. We also find that early state-level legalizations were crucial and more influential than the Roe v. Wade decision itself. (JEL I12, I18, J13, J16, K10, K38)

Patterns and predictors of malaria among head porters: a mobile population in Ghana

BackgroundHead porters popularly known as ‘Kayayeis in Ghana, face challenges in accessing essential health care services due to the mobile nature of their trade, low formal education, poor settlements, low-income among others. Kayayeis are predominantly females and form part of the mobile population who are at increased risk of malaria infection. Despite their increased risk of malaria, mobile populations are difficult to target for malaria interventions, hence serving as potential drivers of transmission even if malaria in the general population is controlled. The study, therefore, assessed the patterns and predictors of malaria among the Kayayei population in Ghana to inform policy decisions.MethodsA mixed methods study was conducted among Head-porters and their leaders in the three main hubs of Head-porters in Ghana; namely Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale. Blood samples were collected from participants and tested for malaria parasites using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT). Additionally, data including socio-demographics, malaria knowledge, attitude and practice were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Associations between malaria status and participants characteristics were determined by logistic regression (p < 0.05). Thematic analysis was used to analyse transcripts from the key informant interviews.ResultsOut of 754 head porters studied, 10.48% (79) tested positive for malaria. The majority 43.10% (325/754) of the head porters were twenty years and below, and most 67.11% (506/754) had no formal education. Nearly half (50.4%) were not on any health insurance. Receiving malaria education in the past 6 months [AOR = 0.48, (0.26–0.88), p-value 0.02], and having poor knowledge of malaria [AOR = 2.23, (1.26–4.27), p < 0.02], were the factors significantly associated with malaria infection.ConclusionThe prevalence of malaria among ‘Kayayei’s was estimated at 10.46%. A majority of them sleeps outside and in structures without mosquito screens. Receiving malaria education in the past 6 months reduced the odds of malaria infection whilst poor knowledge of malaria increased the odds of malaria infection among the porters. The authors recommend that the National Malaria Elimination Programme and partners should provide long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) and other outdoor interventions for use by this special group. Designated state institutions should arrange free National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration for ‘Kayayeis’ to narrow the health access gap.

Intersectionality in Developing a Virtual Community of Practice Platform on Abortion.

Abortion is an essential healthcare service in many countries including Canada. The number of people who seek abortion is disproportionately higher among equity-deserving populations. Yet the knowledge needed to provide evidence-based, culturally safe, and gender-affirming abortion services remain limited among healthcare professionals. Using an intersectional lens, we conducted focus group discussions with 14 healthcare professionals to understand how an abortion web-based platform, which is currently under development, can be adapted to meet the needs of equity deserving populations. The findings revealed the need for multi-lingual resources on abortion, information on funding coverage for undocumented migrants, educational resources on Indigenous cultural safety and gender-affirming practices, and a mapping tool to locate providers or pharmacists. Beyond presenting clinical guidelines on web platforms, this study revealed important considerations for the design of web platforms that can help advance access to abortion for equity-deserving populations.

Forecasting the National Health Insurance Fund Membership Enrolment in Tanzania Using the SARIMA Model

This paper aimed at forecasting membership enrolment in the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in Tanzania using quarterly time series data. This study used 88 time series data to fit the seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model (SARIMA). ARIMA (3,1,1) (0,1,0)[4] model was built and used for forecasting. The results show that there will be an increasing membership enrolment overtime over the years and no signs of decreasing. Thus, the government, apart from continuing subsidizing the cost of accessing health insurance services, should also improve the National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage to accommodate the increased enrolment and discourage dropouts. In turn, this will help to achieve the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) ultimate aim of ensuring equitable access to essential and manageable healthcare services, regardless of individuals’ financial situations, their location, and personality.

Traditional medicinal knowledge of Sherpa people: Assessment in Xizang, China

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe people of the Pan-Himalayan region are among the most isolated and economically disadvantaged populations worldwide. The Sherpa people, located along the China and Nepal border, rely largely on the natural environment to access essential healthcare services. The region's ongoing economic and social developments threaten indigenous medicinal practices and biodiversity. However, there has been limited comprehensive investigation and documentation of traditional medicine and its associated knowledge in this region. Aim of the studyThe aims are to document the traditional medicinal knowledge of the Sherpa community, assess the conservation status of medicinal plants, and explore the historical factors that have influenced their traditional medicine practices. Material and methodsSemi-structured interviews with 78 Sherpa people were conducted in Chenthang Town, Xizang, China. Use reports (URs) was used to determine the most frequently mentioned medicinal plants or a specific ailment or disease category. The International Classification of Primary Care-2nd edition (ICPC-2) was used to transform the original records into an internationally unified classification. ResultsA total of 51 plant species, one fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) G.H.Sung, J.M.Sung, Hywel-Jones & Spatafora), two lichens (Flavopunctelia soredica (Nyl.) Hale and Parmotrema cetratum (Ach.) Hale), and four minerals were documented, resulting in 824 URs. Ranunculaceae had the most species (5 spp.). The most commonly used method for preparing medicinal substances was decoction (23 species, 40%). Oral application was the preferred route of administration for 81% (41 medicinal substances). Forty-four ailments across 14 ICPC-2 disease categories were documented. Respiratory (320 URs) and digestive (122 URs) categories are among the most common diseases. The top-five ailments were influenza (18 substances; URs = 227), injury blood/lymph/spleen other (11 substances; URs = 66), cough (10 substances; URs = 62), headache (7 substances; URs = 63), and abdominal pain/cramps general (6 substances; URs = 37). The most frequently reported medicinal substances were Panax pseudoginseng Wall. (URs = 128) and Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora (Pennell) D. Y. Hong (URs = 79). Two special therapies (hot spring therapy and dietary therapy) were described. In-depth ethnographic information on the livelihood and exchange history of Sherpa people were documented. A total of 25 species were sold, of which four species were listed as VU in the IUCN Red List (2023–1), six species were listed as VU, four species were NT, and one species was EN in the China Biodiversity Red list 2021. ConclusionThis study provides the first comprehensive documentation of the 58 traditional medicine substances and two special therapies (hot spring therapy and dietary therapy) used by the Sherpa people in Chenthang. Sherpa's medicinal knowledge has been shaped by historical interactions and contemporary trade practices. To better protect the biocultural diversity of the Himalayan region, priority should be given to the rapid assessment of medicinal plants, knowledge, and use status in this area.

Essential Care for Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence

This Viewpoint describes essential health care services for women experiencing intimate partner violence and strategies for providing these services during disasters and public health emergencies.

Resilience dimensions in health system performance assessments, European Union.

To explore the definition and operationalization of resilience in health system performance assessments in European Union countries. We conducted multiple empirical case study analyses. We identified relevant cases through a literature review from 2014 to 2023 using Google Scholar and through a snowball technique to retrieve additional information. We included only documents that explicitly mentioned resilience in health system performance assessments. We performed a content analysis to identify common patterns in defining resilience. The final sample consisted of six countries: Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Ireland and Italy. Each country adopted a distinct approach to conceptualizing resilience, with countries prioritizing specific aspects based on lessons learnt from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Some countries focused on maintaining essential health-care services and protecting vulnerable groups. Other countries prioritized management capacity, staff preparedness, digital health utilization and strengthening of primary health care. Content analysis revealed six resilience definitions derived from the key performance indicators: addressing unmet needs and maintaining outcomes; protecting vulnerable groups; acquiring and using resources; having trained and prepared staff in place; using digital health; and strengthening primary health care. Integration of resilience into the health profiles of European Union countries preceded its inclusion in national health system performance assessments, the latter of which became more prominent after the COVID-19 pandemic. Variations in interpretations within health system performance assessments reflect differences in indicators and policy responses.

EVALUATION OF HEALTH FACILITIES LOCATION TO SUPPORT ACCESSIBILITY TO ESSENTIAL HEALTH SERVICES IN BANDAR LAMPUNG CITY, LAMPUNG PROVINCE, INDONESIA

Health remains one of the most important aspects of every human life, with access to quality healthcare services being a pivotal component of human well-being. In Indonesia, health facility distribution has been characterized by disparities, primarily concentrated on the populous Java Island. This distribution inequity underscores a significant challenge in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. Bandar Lampung, the most densely populated city in Lampung Province and one of Sumatra's most populated cities, experiences an intensified demand for healthcare facilities due to its substantial population. However, the city grapples with numerous infrastructural challenges, including suboptimal road conditions that hinder accessibility to essential healthcare services. These challenges further underscore the urgency of assessing and addressing the healthcare infrastructure within Bandar Lampung. This research seeks to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of health facility availability in Bandar Lampung City, as well as an in-depth analysis of the accessibility of healthcare services in different areas of the city. To achieve this, the study employs the Network Analysis Tool, which leverages road network data to model travel distances and times. In addition to road network data, geospatial population data sourced is integrated into the analysis to gauge the demand for healthcare facilities within Bandar Lampung. This multifaceted approach is essential in comprehensively addressing the complex interplay between supply and demand in the healthcare sector. The combination of these datasets culminates in the creation of an accessibility model that unveils the disparities in healthcare access across Bandar Lampung. The model highlights areas where accessibility to healthcare facilities remains surprisingly low, despite the city's high population density. Conversely, it also identifies regions with high accessibility, potentially serving as templates for improving healthcare distribution in underserved areas. By revealing these disparities, this research contributes valuable insights to healthcare planning and policy formulation in Bandar Lampung and offers a template for addressing similar challenges in other regions with uneven healthcare distribution.

The use of community-oriented primary care (COPC) model to generate vaccine demand: The case of a remote fishing community in Cameroon

BackgroundCameroon, a country in sub-Saharan Africa, ranks among the top 15 countries worldwide with the highest number of zero-dose (unvaccinated) children. Among other reasons, pockets of hard-to-reach communities that traditionally miss essential healthcare services, including childhood immunization, largely contribute to this sub-optimal vaccination coverage. This is the case of Manoka Health District (MHD), an archipelago district with a zero-dose proportion of 91.7%. High disease burdens such as malaria and water-borne diseases have forced the population to depend on herbalists and roadside drug vendors, eroding trust in the primary healthcare system and worsening vaccine hesitancy. This study, therefore, aims to describe how a project optimized vaccine demand generation in these hard-to-reach settlements using an integrated community health worker service delivery package developed using the Community-oriented primary healthcare (COPC) model. MethodologyThis cross-sectional descriptive study was based on data collected from November 2021 to August 2022 in three project-implementing health areas (Kombo Moukoko, Kooh, and Toube) in the Manoka health district. Data was collected on the integrated health packages offered by Community Health Workers (CHWs). It comprised health education on malaria and water-borne diseases, screening for malaria using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT), treatment of under-5 for uncomplicated malaria and diarrhea, conduct of essential Antenatal Care (ANC) services, and vaccination counseling and referral in the three health areas. Microsoft Excel 2013 was used to analyze descriptive data and expressed results as percentages, with tables and column charts used for data visualization. All missing data were considered in the final analysis. ResultsOver 550 under-5 children and 187 pregnant women were identified to be in need of curative and preventive care services during the project period. About 81% of pregnant women received a minimum ANC package by CHWs, and 47% adhered to referrals to health facilities for continuous ANC and delivery. Half of the children under 5 with health issues were diagnosed and managed for uncomplicated malaria. Also, during home visits, 617 under-immunized and zero-dose children less than two years of age were identified, referred, and vaccinated either during an outreach program or at the nearest health post in a neighboring health area, representing about 64% (617/964) of under-2 children identified in these communities. There was a gradual increase from 0% vaccine acceptance post-referral in the first month to 47% after six months and 64% at one year of intervention. ConclusionThe use of the COPC model to co-develop integrated essential health service packages that meet the needs of communities showed value in building trust and increasing childhood immunization uptake in hard-to-reach communities.

The importance of 'place' and its influence on rural and remote health and well-being in Australia.

This article explores the crucial role of 'place' as an ecological, social and cultural determinant of health and well-being, with a focus on the benefits and challenges of living rurally and remotely in Australia. The health system, including health promotion, can contribute actively to creating supportive environments and places that foster health and well-being among individuals residing in rural and remote locations. For First Nations peoples, living on Country, and caring for Country and its people, are core to Indigenous worldviews, and the promotion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and well-being. Their forced removal from ancestral lands has been catastrophic. For all people, living in rural and remote areas can deliver an abundance of the elements that contribute to a 'liveable' community, including access to fresh air, green and blue space, agricultural employment, tight-knit communities, a sense of belonging and identity, and social capital. However, living remotely also can limit access to employment opportunities, clean water, affordable food, reliable transport, social infrastructure, social networks and preventive health services. 'Place' is a critical enabler of maintaining a healthy life. However, current trends have led to a reduction in local services and resources, and increased exposure to the impacts of climate change. This commentary suggests ideas and strategies through which people in rural and remote locations can strengthen the liveability, resilience and identity of their communities, and regain access to essential health care and health promotion services and resources. Recommended strategies include online access to education, employment and telehealth; flexible provision of social infrastructure; and meaningful and responsive university-health service partnerships.

Effects of Health Investment on Poverty Reduction in Developing Countries like Brazil

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of health investment on poverty reduction in Developing Countries. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Health investment in developing countries has been shown to effectively reduce poverty. Improved healthcare access leads to better health outcomes, boosting productivity and household incomes while mitigating healthcare expenses. Quality healthcare services, including preventive measures, break the poverty cycle by enhancing overall well-being and productivity. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure enhances resilience to health crises, crucial for sustainable poverty reduction and socio-economic development in these regions. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Health capital theory, social determinants of health theory &amp; health capability approach may be used to anchor future studies on effects of health investment on poverty reduction in Developing Prioritization of investments in health systems strengthening, focusing on expanding access to essential healthcare services, improving healthcare quality, and promoting health equity. Recognition of health investment as a fundamental component of poverty reduction strategies, leading to increased government prioritization and allocation of resources to healthcare systems.

Public-private partnerships in health sector innovation: Lessons from around the world

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a crucial mechanism for fostering innovation in the health sector globally. This review encapsulates the lessons learned from diverse PPP models worldwide, highlighting their significance and impact. PPPs in healthcare innovation entail collaboration between governmental bodies, private enterprises, and sometimes non-profit organizations to address challenges, such as limited resources, expertise, and infrastructure, while leveraging the strengths of each sector. The success of PPPs relies on effective governance structures, clear objectives, and mutual accountability. One notable example is the United Kingdom's NHS Innovation Accelerator, which partners with industry leaders to fast-track the adoption of innovative healthcare technologies within the National Health Service (NHS). Through this initiative, pioneering solutions, ranging from digital health platforms to medical devices, have been implemented, enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. Similarly, in low-resource settings like sub-Saharan Africa, PPPs have played a pivotal role in improving access to essential healthcare services. Projects such as the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) collaborate with pharmaceutical companies, governments, and research institutions to develop affordable antimalarial drugs tailored to the region's needs. In the realm of medical research and development, partnerships like the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) have demonstrated the power of international collaboration in addressing global health threats. CEPI brings together governments, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector to expedite the development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases, as witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, challenges persist in PPP implementation, including complex regulatory frameworks, funding uncertainties, and divergent interests among stakeholders. Lessons from successful PPPs underscore the importance of transparent communication, stakeholder engagement, and sustained political commitment. In conclusion, PPPs in the health sector represent a dynamic avenue for catalyzing innovation and driving transformative change. By drawing insights from diverse experiences worldwide, policymakers and practitioners can refine existing frameworks and foster sustainable partnerships to tackle evolving health challenges effectively.

Infection Prevention Strategies for Otorhinolaryngology and Head-and-Neck Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has significantly impacted global healthcare systems, necessitating stringent infection control measures to safeguard patients and healthcare workers. Otorhinolaryngology and head-and-neck surgery, due to their close proximity to the respiratory tract and frequent aerosol-generating procedures, face elevated risks of COVID-19 transmission. Understanding infection control measures in these specialties is paramount to optimize safety protocols and mitigate transmission risks. Aim: The review aims to examine infection control measures in otorhinolaryngology and head-and-neck surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing specific risks, effectiveness of safety measures, adaptations to evolving knowledge, implementation challenges, and future directions for research and policy. Review Summary: A systematic literature search was conducted from December 2019 to present, focusing on infection control practices in these specialties during the pandemic. Studies addressing infection control measures, risks, and adaptations in otorhinolaryngology and head-and-neck surgery were included. Key findings were synthesized qualitatively, emphasizing trends, common themes, and discrepancies in data. Future Implications: Insights from the review provide actionable guidance for optimizing infection control measures in otorhinolaryngology and head-and-neck surgery, enhancing safety for patients and healthcare providers during current and future pandemics. Areas for future research include ongoing surveillance, adaptation of protocols, and development of innovative safety strategies. Clinical Policy and Development: Recommendations include comprehensive use of personal protective equipment, modifications to patient handling and surgical procedures, telemedicine integration, and adherence to strict infection control protocols. These measures aim to minimize COVID-19 transmission risks while maintaining essential healthcare services. Keywords: COVID-19, Otorhinolaryngology, Head-And-Neck Surgery, Infection Control, Aerosol-Generating Procedures

Impact of Residential Segregation on Healthcare Utilization and Perceived Quality of Care Among Informal Caregivers in the United States.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of racial residential segregation on healthcare utilization and perceived quality of care among informal caregivers in the US. It further assessed potential variations in the estimated impact across caregivers' race and socioeconomic status. We used data from the Health Information National Trends Survey Data Linkage Project (fielded in 2020) for a sample of 583 self-identified informal caregivers in the US. Fitting a series of regression models with the maximum likelihood estimation, we computed the beta coefficients (β) of interest and their associated Wald 95% confidence limits (CI). Caregivers who resided in areas with higher segregation, compared to those living in lower segregated areas, were less likely to visit a healthcare professional [β = - 2.08; Wald 95%CI - 2.093, - 2.067] (moderate); [β = - 2.53; Wald 95%CI - 2.549, - 2.523] (high)]. Further, caregivers residing in moderate [β = - 0.766; Wald 95%CI - 0.770, - 0.761] and high [β = - 0.936; Wald 95%CI - 0.941, - 0.932] segregation regions were less likely to perceive a better quality of care compared to those located in low segregation areas. Moreover, as segregation level increased, Black caregivers were less likely to see a health professional, less frequently used healthcare services, and had poorer perceived healthcare quality when compared to Whites. Our findings indicate that higher residential segregation is associated with lower healthcare utilization, such as visiting a healthcare professional, and poorer perceived healthcare quality among informal caregivers. Given the essential role of informal caregivers in the current healthcare system, it is vital to investigate and address challenges associated with access to and quality of essential healthcare services to improve caregivers' health and well-being, specifically for caregivers of minority backgrounds.

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IN IMPLEMENTATION OF HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FINANCING IN NIGERIA

Health care management system financing plays a vital role in ensuring the availability and accessibility of quality health care services. However, numerous challenges and constraints exist that can hinder the effective financing and sustainability of health care systems. Understanding and addressing these challenges is essential for improving health care financing mechanisms and achieving better health outcomes (124, 125) Healthcare systems in suffer from neglect and underfunding, leading to severe challenges across the six World Health Organization (WHO) pillars of healthcare delivery. We conducted this study to identify the principal challenges in the health sector in and their solutions for evidence-based decisions, policy development and program prioritization Insufficient Funding Allocation: One of the primary challenges in health care management system financing is the inadequate allocation of funds. Limited financial resources can restrict the availability of essential health care services, compromise service quality, and undermine the overall functioning of the health care system. Insufficient funding allocation hampers infrastructure development, workforce capacity building, and the procurement of medical supplies and equipment (126).

Studying the accessibility of healthcare services for cancer patients in Khartoum state amid the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectivesThis study aims to assess cancer patients' accessibility to healthcare services and perceived barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Khartoum state, aiming to explore the consequent impact on cancer patients. It also aims to determine the coping strategies used by patients to overcome these barriers. Study designThis is a retrospective analytical cross-sectional study. MethodsData were collected from August 2020 to March 2021, with a sample size of 316 cancer patients. Systemic random sampling and SPSS version 25 were utilized for data collection and analysis. ResultsThe study found that 55.7 % of the surveyed cancer patients had experienced disruptions in accessing essential cancer healthcare services during the lockdown. The study identified the most common cancers as breast (19.7 %), gastrointestinal (19 %), and ovarian (11 %). Notable barriers included governmental travel restrictions (51.6 %), outpatient service closures (41.8 %), and high costs (27.8 %). Additionally, delayed treatment was directly associated with a 33.3 % fatality rate among the participants. ConclusionsThis study highlights the considerable negative impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on cancer care in Sudan. Recommendations include a focus on telemedicine as an alternative form of patient consultation, the expansion of health insurance schemes to encompass cancer treatments, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure to facilitate cancer care during crises.

Overcoming Geographic Barriers: Surgical Care in Rural Populations

AbstractThis chapter examines the challenges rural Americans face in accessing surgical care, which is characterized by geographical barriers, a decreasing surgical workforce, and unique patient factors. The widening health care disparity between rural and urban residents highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to improve surgical care delivery to rural areas. Focusing on colorectal care delivery, encompassing the spectrum of common and complex care, exemplifies opportunities to optimize care delivery for rural populations. Here, we discuss the complex and unique interplay of challenges within rural hospital infrastructure, workforce shortages, and patient factors emphasizing financial strain, closure of rural hospitals, and limited access to specialty providers and resources. Current evidence focuses on volume–outcome relationships, the safety of common surgical care at rural hospitals, and the impact of rural hospitals joining larger health systems. Strategies to optimize care delivery include site-of-care optimization, improved care coordination, dissemination of specialty expertise, and policy programs to support the rural workforce. Recent federal policies, including the rural emergency hospital program, underscore the delicate balance between sustaining essential local health care services and the financial realities of rural health care delivery. We then conclude with evidence-based strategies to bridge the urban-rural health care gap, ensuring equitable access to high-quality surgical care regardless of geographic location.

The Role of Economic Factors for Healthcare Usage in the U.S. Hispanic Community

Conducted by the 501(c)-3 nonprofit, International Collegiate Health Initiative (ICHI), this study focuses on the significant role of economic factors in healthcare usage within the Hispanic community in the United States. Particularly highlighting the challenges posed by low socioeconomic status, insurance coverage gaps, and geographical barriers that limit access to essential healthcare services and affect the quality of care received by this demographic.The study found low socioeconomic status as a major barrier to adequate healthcare among the Hispanic population. This economic constraint is intricately linked to limited access to healthcare resources, notably in health education and preventive care (Escobedo et al., 2023). The findings emphasize the strong connection between lower socioeconomic status and significantly reduced opportunities for accessing essential medical care. Furthermore, with 12% of Latinos lacking access to insurance, the results show a substantial disparity in health insurance coverage within the Hispanic community. The lack of sufficient insurance coverage leads to a reluctance to seek medical care due to cost concerns (De Jesus &amp; Xiao, 2014). This gap is especially concerning, as it prevents patients from seeking healthcare services in a timely and prompt manner. Additionally, geographical barriers are shown to significantly restrict healthcare access. Around 22% of Hispanics encounter obstacles in reaching healthcare services due to factors such as long travel distances to clinics and inadequate transportation (Oh et al., 2018). These factors demonstrate the need to provide economic support to underserved communities in order to produce greater healthcare outcomes in underserved communities. Effective intervention in these areas is crucial for breaking the cycle of healthcare disparities and ensuring sustainable health improvements for the Hispanic community.