Socio-cultural Barriers Research Articles

A Qualitative Analysis of the Socio-cultural Barriers to Intra-African Trade: Evidence from Nigerian Exporters

This study qualitatively analyzed the sociocultural barriers to intra-African trade, focusing on challenges faced by African businesses in cross-border markets, their impacts, and mitigation strategies. An exploratory case study design was adopted, using purposive and snowball sampling to select participants. Primary data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 10 members of the Association of Nigerian Exporters (ANE). Reflexivity and participant validation ensured research credibility, while Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis framework guided data analysis, with thematic maps aiding interpretation. The findings identified five key sociocultural barriers substantially inhibiting intra-African trade: cultural complexity, corruption and bureaucratic obstacles, trust gaps, unhealthy rivalries, and business network challenges. These barriers contribute to miscommunication, failed negotiations, weakened consumer demand, failed partnerships, and increased operational costs for intra-African trade. These findings underscored that sociocultural factors play a pivotal role in shaping the success or failure of intra-African trade, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to address these barriers. In particular, they emphasized that cultural complexity hampers communication and negotiations, while corruption and bureaucratic obstacles erode trust and create inefficiencies. Trust gaps weaken partnerships, unhealthy rivalries hinder collaboration, and business network challenges limit market access and increase operational costs. Tackling these issues is crucial for improving trade efficiency and fostering stronger economic integration across the African continent.

Barriers to Health Care Access among Rural Women: A Qualitative Study in a Village of Bangladesh

Rural women's health inequalities have an extensive discussion on both a global and regional scale. Access to health care is a universal challenge, but the task is even harder for rural people, particularly women. This paper attempts to assess critical barriers to rural women’s health. In this regard, a qualitative approach has been followed using a case study method. The respondents were selected from Kosha Raniganj village of Pirganj Upazila under the district of Thakurgaon in the division of Rangpur, Bangladesh, and data were collected in two consecutive months, i.e., May and June 2024. 20 rural women were interviewed through face-to-face communication, with the help of an unstructured interview schedule, to obtain the necessary data. The research findings showed that the health care coverage for rural women remains low because of multifaceted and interwoven barriers. These are: Economic Barriers, Geographic barriers, Socio-cultural barriers, Shortages of workforce and Healthcare Infrastructure, Educational and Awareness Gaps. Of these barriers, economic challenges were considered to have the greatest impounding effect on the health care access of women in rural areas. The findings of this work are useful in understanding how to reduce health disparities and increase the health care services for rural females.

Challenges of Community Health Nurses During Postnatal Home Visitation in Selected Districts of the Ashanti Region, Ghana

<i>Introduction</i>: Efforts have been made to improve maternal and child health care globally, with a focus on promoting postnatal care for mothers and babies. In spite of the known significance of postnatal visits for enhancing maternal and child health care, concerns still exist regarding maternal and infant health care in the Ashanti Region and Ghana as a whole. The study aimed to explore and describe the challenges experienced by community health nurses that may have an impact on postnatal home visitation in selected districts of the Ashanti Region, Ghana. <i>Method</i>: Qualitative research method was used to collect data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using 15 CHNs. Data were analysed using a thematic content analysis approach. <i>Results</i>: Two main themes and six categories emerged from the overall analysis of the data from the CHNs. One theme emerged based on the objective of the study and the other theme emerged based on the analysis of the responses of the participants. Themes emerged include: challenges of postnatal home visitation and preparation for and responsibilities during postnatal visits. <i>Conclusion</i>: The study concludes that postnatal home visits face significant challenges due to institutional limitations, socio-cultural barriers, and mother-related issues, which can hinder effective care. Additionally, community health nurses (CHNs) strive to provide essential services through preparation, skills application, and ongoing education.

How Malaysian Adolescents Navigate Sexual Health Information on the Internet.

Significant sociocultural barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information influence what is acceptable to discuss and learn within the Malaysian community. To address gaps in their knowledge, adolescents routinely turn to the Internet. This study identifies the ways they navigate SRH information found online. One-on-one interviews were conducted with 17 Malaysian adolescents. The data were analysed with reflexive thematic analysis. Participants navigate SRH information using intuitive strategies, known locally as pandai-pandai. This important cultural concept involves balancing between adherence to social norms and resourcefulness in problem-solving. Pandai-pandai strategies were observed in three domains: (1) navigating SRH sources, (2) evaluating and verifying SRH information, and (3) processing SRH information. Malaysian adolescents' strategies for evaluating SRH information extend beyond traditional critical evaluation models and are driven by emotional, social, and cultural criteria, requiring a reconsideration of what constitutes critical evaluation in this context.

Defining barriers to food systems sustainability: a novel conceptual framework

The transformation of food systems emerges as a critical challenge necessitating a deep, holistic comprehension of the complex and multifaceted barriers that hinder progress towards sustainability. The existing literature is not consistent in identifying these barriers. Building upon existing work, this paper introduces a comprehensive, integrated, and interdisciplinary framework to dissect the nature and origins of the barriers to food system sustainability. Our framework categorizes these impediments into five domains: political economy, socio-technical, socio-cultural, biophysical, and socio-economic barriers, and highlights their intricate interplay and interconnected nature. We pinpoint the foundational role of political economy barriers as the cornerstone of a “system of barriers” that create or perpetuate unsustainability. This framework not only advances academic knowledge by providing a structured basis for analysing sustainability barriers but also serves as a practical tool for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners, to foster transdisciplinarity and develop targeted interventions. We call for further empirical research, emphasizing the need for comparative analyses, longitudinal studies, and the exploration of feedback loops and non-linear dynamics between barriers, to inform effective and sustainable food system transformation strategies.

Exploring the current provision of pancreatic transplantations in low- and middle-income countries: Current landscape, challenges, future prospects.

This comprehensive review addresses the global health challenge of disparities in pancreas transplant access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to high-income countries. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and immunosuppression for procedures like simultaneous pancreas-kidney, pancreas-after-kidney, and pancreas-transplant alone, LMICs face significant challenges, including limited infrastructure, financial constraints, and a shortage of skilled medical professionals. Donation after brain death remains constrained by sociocultural barriers. Region-specific analyses highlight progress in Latin America, Asia, Russia, and South Africa, showcasing the regional disparities in access and outcomes. Future prospects involve minimally invasive surgeries, telemedicine for enhanced post-operative care, international collaborations with organizations like the European Union of Medical Specialists, and robust funding networks to improve organ availability. In conclusion, the review underscores the importance of multifaceted strategies to address economic, sociocultural, and infrastructural barriers, aiming to improve accessibility, quality, and effectiveness of pancreas transplantation services in LMICs.

Exploring the gendered experiences of Australian tennis coaches: A cross-sectional survey of women and men tennis coaches

ABSTRACT Women remain underrepresented in tennis coaching roles in Australia. This study aimed to examine the factors (barriers and facilitators) that may underlie gendered experiences in sport coaching and their links to retention in the profession, through the lens of Self-determination Theory. An online survey assessed barriers to coaching (individual, interpersonal, organisational and socio-cultural levels), coaching motivation and social support for coaching. Participants also completed measures of coach retention (coaching commitment, intentions to continue coaching). The survey was completed by 243 Australian tennis coaches (Mage = 49.5 ± 16.4 years, 35.8% women). The findings indicated that women coaches perceived experiencing significantly more socio-cultural barriers (e.g. discrimination, marginalisation) than their men counterparts. Fewer women (41.4%) than men (55.8%) intended to remain in the profession long-term (>10 years). Regression analyses did not reveal any predictors of retention among women coaches. In men, integrated regulation (β = 0.22, p = .036) and amotivation (β = -0.24, p = .010) predicted coaching commitment. Interpersonal barriers (OR = 0.27, p = .038), external regulation (OR = 0.68, p = .023) and amotivation (OR = 0.72, p = .040) predicted male’s intentions to exit the profession sooner. This study sheds light on the factors that shape the experiences of sport coaches. Ongoing efforts to support the retention of women in sport coaching are necessary and may include challenging socio-cultural barriers.

¿Donde están? Hispanic/Latine inclusion, diversity and representation in the HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study (HBCD)

The HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study, a multi-site prospective longitudinal cohort study, will examine human brain, cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional development beginning prenatally and planned through early childhood. Central to its mission of reducing health disparities is the establishment of the Spanish Language and Culture Committee (SLCC) within the HBCD framework, a significant step towards demographic representation and inclusivity in research. By addressing linguistic and sociocultural barriers and embracing the diverse identities of Hispanic/Latine individuals nationwide, the SLCC aims to promote inclusion, equity, and representation of all Hispanic/Latine subgroups, a population that has been historically misrepresented in health research. In this paper we describe the role of the SLCC in advocating for Hispanic/Latine families within the study, ensuring their inclusion from inception. This report also provides an overview of the SLCC organization, workflow, challenges and lessons learned thus far to reduce stigma and improve study outcomes, highlighting recruitment and retention strategies for the Hispanic/Latine population, and expanding outreach to promote inclusion across diverse Hispanic/Latine subgroups in the United States.

Overcoming barriers of cervical cancer elimination in India: A practice to policy level advocacy

India’s ambitious goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030 faces significant challenges due to the high burden of disease, low screening rates, and sociocultural barriers. Despite the Government’s focus on vaccination, addressing cervical cancer requires a more comprehensive approach that is multisectoral and consider practice to policy engagement. Addressing not only vaccination but also social barriers, healthcare infrastructure, and research is key to preventing and controlling this preventable disease. Fragmented health policies with limited coverage for cervical cancer, coupled with societal issues like stigma and limited access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, pose significant challenges. Moreover, limited awareness of HPV and vaccines hinders progress. To effectively combat cervical cancer, India must prioritize a readiness assessment to evaluate past interventions, economic feasibility, and social issues before launching new programs. Improving healthcare infrastructure, training healthcare workers, and utilizing innovative models like mobile clinics can expand access to care. Public-private partnerships with incentives can also play a crucial role in mobilizing resources. Investing in culturally appropriate public awareness campaigns is essential to educate the population about HPV, cervical cancer, and prevention strategies. A robust pharmacovigilance program is necessary to ensure vaccine safety. Additionally, India should invest in science and technology to support long-term research efforts, while increasing understanding of population-specific predisposing factors for broader-spectrum vaccines and personalized approaches. A dedicated national policy with clear objectives, strategies, and accountability mechanisms is crucial for successful cervical cancer control. Learning from the experiences of other countries can inform policy development.

Predictors of intention to use contraceptives among married and cohabiting women in Ghana: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundContraceptive use is a cost-effective intervention for reducing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections and their negative consequences. It is vital to increase contraceptive use among women to improve their reproductive health outcomes. This study examines the factors associated with contraceptive use intention among married and cohabiting women in Ghana.MethodsWe analysed data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. A total of 5,846 married and cohabiting women were included in the study. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors associated with the intention to use contraceptives. The regression results were presented using an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe proportion of intention to use contraceptives among married and cohabiting women was 33.0% [31.1, 35.0]. Compared to women living in the Greater Accra, those living in Central (aOR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.06, 2.69), Bono East (aOR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.02, 2.61), Oti (aOR = 2.68; 95% CI = 1.63, 4.40), and Upper West Regions (aOR = 4.48; 95% CI = 2.68, 7.48) were more likely to have contraceptive use intention. The odds of intention to use contraceptives increased with increasing parity, with the highest odds among women with four or more births (aOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.66, 3.51). The intention to use contraceptives decreased with increasing age, with the lowest odds among those aged 45–49 (aOR = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.25, 0.07). Women with no education (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.28, 0.63), primary education (aOR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.37, 0.86), and secondary education (aOR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.45, 0.92) had lower odds of intention to use contraceptives compared to those with higher education. Married women (aOR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.49, 0.76) had lower odds of contraceptive use intention relative to cohabiting women.ConclusionOur study revealed a low contraceptive use intention among women, signalling a barrier in access to family planning services in the country. Various factors, including age, region, marital status, parity, and educational level play a role in determining the intention to use contraceptives. These findings underscore the importance of implementing policy changes and enhancing existing programmes to improve the availability of information, contraceptive education, and family planning services, especially for younger women, those living in rural areas, and those with lower levels of education. Additionally, it is vital to address socio-cultural barriers and empower women to address the factors associated with intention to use contraceptives.

The Extent of Participation and Empowerment of Rural Women in Lac Cultivation in Koderma District of Jharkhand, India

Lac cultivation in Koderma District, Jharkhand, offers a unique pathway for empowering rural women, serving as a significant source of income and socio-economic upliftment. This review examines the depth of women’s participation in various stages of lac production, from inoculation to processing, and how their involvement translates into empowerment. Despite facing challenges like gender discrimination, limited access to resources, and market constraints, women in Koderma have demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Lac cultivation has provided them with financial independence and enhanced social recognition and decision-making power within their households and communities. Initiatives by the government and NGOs have played a critical role in facilitating this shift, offering training, market access, and financial support to enable women to break socio-cultural barriers. However, for sustained empowerment, addressing the existing gaps in technology access, market linkage, and equitable resource distribution is essential. This article aims to explore lac cultivation's role in empowering rural women in Koderma District, Jharkhand, by examining their participation in the production process and its impact on their socio-economic upliftment (Pal G., 2011). It aims to highlight women's challenges, the contributions of government and NGO initiatives, and the need for improved policies, technology, and market access to ensure sustained empowerment and equitable participation in the lac industry.

Exploring Socio-Cultural Barriers to Gogo Women’s Land Ownership in Tanzania

Exploring Socio-Cultural Barriers to Gogo Women’s Land Ownership in Tanzania

Effectiveness of Peer-Led Education in Reducing HIV Transmission among Youths in Urban Areas: A Comprehensive Review

HIV transmission among urban youths remains a significant public health concern, driven by factors such as risky sexual behaviors, limited access to healthcare, and high social connectivity. Peer-led education has emerged as a promising intervention to reduce HIV transmission by utilizing the influence of social networks and delivering relatable, accessible information on HIV prevention. This review assessed the effectiveness of peer-led education programs in urban areas by examining their impact on HIV-related knowledge, behavior change, and HIV testing rates. Studies revealed that peer-led education significantly improves HIV knowledge, promotes condom use, and encourages HIV testing among urban youths, contributing to a reduction in high-risk behaviors. Additionally, the social and emotional benefits of peer-led education create supportive environments for discussing sexual health, reducing stigma, and fostering empowerment among participants. However, challenges such as variability in program quality, sociocultural barriers, and sustainability issues limit the long-term success of these interventions. To address these challenges, future strategies should focus on integrating digital health platforms, personalizing peer education, and employing rigorous program evaluation methods. The methodology for this review included a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and observational studies, to provide a holistic understanding of peer-led education’s effectiveness in reducing HIV transmission among urban youths. Keywords: Peer-led education, HIV prevention, Urban youths, Behavioral change, HIV transmission.

Maternal and newborn health prioritization in Yobe State, Nigeria: analysis of stakeholders' perspective.

Maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity in conflict-affected northeastern areas of Nigeria, such as Yobe State, are disproportionately higher than those in the rest of the country. There is limited evidence on the factors that influence maternal and newborn health (MNH) policymaking and implementation in this region, particularly with respect to the impact of conflict and context-specific issues. This study explores the political, economic and health system factors that drive the prioritization of MNH policies in Yobe State. The aim of this study was to elucidate the conflict-related factors influencing MNH outcomes, which could inform targeted interventions to improve MNH. The study is a descriptive case study that relies on multiple data sources and is guided by the Health Policy Analysis Triangle. We reviewed national and subnational research, technical reports and policies related to reproductive health and the MNH in Nigeria since 2010. Following stakeholder mapping, we identified and invited prospective participants in the MNH policymaking space. Nineteen stakeholders from the government, civil society and nongovernmental organizations, donor agencies, and public and private sector health providers in Yobe State participated in the semistructured in-depth interviews. Data were collected from November 2022 through January 2023 and were thematically analysed via Dedoose software. MNH services in Yobe State have received considerable attention through initiatives such as the National Midwifery Service Scheme, free MNH services, training of midwives with deployment to rural areas, and health facility renovations. The effective implementation of MNH services and policies faces challenges due to insufficient funding, and sustainability is hampered by changes in governance and political transitions. The Boko Haram insurgency exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Yobe State and disrupted MNH services due to the displacement of populations and the decline in the number of health workers. Additionally, sociocultural and religious beliefs hinder timely access to and utilization of MNH services. Although policies and guidelines for MNH services exist in the state, they are inadequately disseminated to health providers, which affects their effective implementation across facilities. Collaboration and intersectoral coordination platforms exist, but competition and rivalries among unions, political entities, and implementing agencies sometimes impede progress. Enhancing MNH services in Yobe state requires increased commitment for funding through the Northeast Development Commission rehabilitation fund; strengthening the health workforce, safety and retention plan; promoting gender inclusivity within the health sector; and addressing sociocultural barriers to women's health-seeking behaviors. Concrete, time-bound plans for policy dissemination are necessary to ensure effective service implementation.

Immigrants' clusters and unequal access to healthcare treatments

We focus on caesarean sections (C-sections) to examine access to appropriate medical care for immigrants in the Italian tax-funded universal National Health Service. We use a detailed micro-dataset to analyse whether non-native women receive different treatments compared to natives and whether there are differences between groups of non-natives defined by citizenship. For identification, we control for hospital fixed effects and maternal characteristics, and we compare the different groups by exploiting the clustering of non-natives of different nationalities in different urban areas. We find no significant differences between natives and non-natives in terms of C-sections and inappropriate C-sections. However, we do find significant differences between different groups of immigrants. In addition, we find that linguistic and socio-cultural distances are significant drivers of inequalities among non-native women. As language, habits, traditions, and beliefs can affect communication between the woman and the medical staff in many ways, we interpret our findings in terms of the ability to process and understand information between the two parties. In support of this interpretation, we find evidence of a “segregation effect”: women linguistically and socio-culturally more distant from Italy experience the greatest difficulties in accessing appropriate care when living in urban areas characterized by the presence of large immigrant communities of the same nationality. Moreover, we find that the role of linguistic and socio-cultural barriers is stronger for first-time mothers and women with non-native partners.

Qualitative research on catch-up vaccination with Russian speaking migrants in the UK: Potential opportunities beyond primary care

BackgroundWhile ensuring vaccine access for migrants is a crucial public health goal in the UK and worldwide, migrants remain an under-immunised group. The provision of catch-up vaccination for adult migrants is often faced with institutional, infrastructural, and socio-cultural barriers. This research aims to explore experiences with catch-up vaccination among Russian-speaking migrants in the UK—a group that has been under-represented in research despite its increase since 2022. Methods25 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Russian-speaking migrants in July–August, 2022. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling was used to recruit the participants. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using Atlas.ti software. Themes for analysis included participants’ experiences with the UK healthcare system, experiences with obtaining vaccination-related information, and practices with catch-up vaccines. FindingsThe majority of participants were from Russia (n=18) with others coming from Latvia (3), Ukraine (2), Belarus (1), and Kazakhstan (1); and most participants were asylum seekers (n=15). 13 participants were males and 12 were females. Seven asylum seekers identified as men who have sex with men (MSM). Apart from language and logistical barriers to access vaccination, participants highlighted lack of centralisation in vaccination provision and difficulty in accessing vaccination within the asylum centres as major challenges. All participants were aware of adult vaccines against COVID-19 and influenza, however, only MSM asylum seekers were familiar with and actively seeking vaccination against hepatitis A and B, HPV and mpox. Importantly, MSM participants highlighted that sexual health clinics are their first point of contact for receiving vaccine-related information and vaccination. InterpretationDespite important barriers to accessing vaccination in the UK, the research participants were proactive in seeking vaccination. Findings from this study indicate that other models of care need to be further explored and evaluated, beyond primary care, for delivering vaccines to diverse migrant groups. FundingAD is funded by the MRC (MR/N013638/1). SH is funded by the NIHR (NIHR300072), the Academy of Medical Sciences (SBF005I1), La Caixa Foundation (LCF/PR/SP21/52930003), Research England, MRC, and WHO. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care and UKHSA.

FINANCIAL INCLUSION OF WOMEN: BARRIERS, CHALLENGES, AND POLICY INTERVENTIONS IN INDIA

Restricted access to credit creates barriers to womens economic empowerment and their ability to contribute fully to societys economic growth. Historically, Indian women have had limited opportunities to obtain formal financial services. Promoting womens control over financial resources is essential for achieving gender equality, reducing poverty, and driving economic development of the country. This study presents a data driven analysis of workforce participation, bank deposits, decision making powers, ownership of assets and access to microcredit of women in India. The paper discusses the socio cultural, economic and institutional barriers that hamper womens access to various credit sources and examines the role of various policy initiatives introduced by the government. The study concludes that despite improvements there are significant gaps in financial inclusion of women in India and more targeted efforts are required to bridge the gaps.

The Role of Consumers in Fostering Circular Economy in Indonesia

Consumers play an important role in transforming the economic system into a circular economy. Some literature highlighted that consumer demand has become an enabler for businesses to adopt circular practices. However, other literature argues that although consumers are aware of environmental sustainability issues, their adoption of circular products and services is still low, which is termed as an "intention–action gap." This "intention–action gap" becomes a socio-cultural barrier for businesses to adopt circular practices. This paper aims to increase knowledge and understanding about the role of consumers perceived by circular start-ups. A qualitative case study approach was employed by conducting in-depth interviews with four circular start-ups. This study is expected to shed light on the role of consumers either as enablers or barriers to the circular economy in Indonesia.

Defining medical deserts—an international consensus-building exercise

Abstract Background Medical deserts represent a pressing public health and health systems challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the gap between people and health services, yet a commonly agreed definition of medical deserts was lacking. This study aims to define medical deserts through a consensus-building exercise, explaining the phenomenon to its full extent, in a manner that can apply to countries and health systems across the globe. Methods We used a standard Delphi exercise for the consensus-building process. The first phase consisted of one round of individual online meetings with selected key informants; the second phase comprised two rounds of surveys when a consensus was reached in January 2023. The first phase-the in-depth individual meetings-was organized online. The dimensions to include in the definition of medical deserts were identified, ranked and selected based on their recurrence and importance. The second phase-the surveys-was organized online. Finally, external validation was obtained from stakeholders via email. Results The agreed definition highlights five major dimensions: ‘Medical deserts are areas where population healthcare needs are unmet partially or totally due to lack of adequate access or improper quality of healthcare services caused by (i) insufficient human resources in health or (ii) facilities, (iii) long waiting times, (iv) disproportionate high costs of services or (v) other socio-cultural barriers’. Conclusions The five dimensions of access to healthcare: insufficient human resources in health or; facilities; long waiting times; disproportionate high costs of services and; other socio-cultural barriers, ought to be addressed to mitigate medical deserts. The term medical deserts might not be the most appropriate term for defining areas with insufficient access to health services as it excludes essential domains, such as access to public health and preventive services. Key messages • Medical deserts directly and negatively impact the health outcomes of the people living in it. • Medical deserts might not be the most appropriate term for defining areas with insufficient access to medical services, as it excludes public health and preventive services.

Barriers and facilitators to remote healthcare services use: perspectives of women and providers

Abstract Background The remote health services (RHS) proliferation raises concerns regarding relatively low use among minorities. Arab women in Israel belong to a minority that experiences health disparities, stigmatization, social and economic marginalization. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitating means to RHS use relevant to Arab women in Israel from the perspective of women, primary care physicians (PCPs), and nurses. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 Arab women, 18 PCPs, and 4 nurses from different parts in Israel between December 2023-March 2024. We used a positive deviance approach by interviewing 14 women who succeeded in using RHS and 11 who did not. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and thematically analyzed using Atlas qualitative analysis software. Findings The data distilled three main barriers to RHS use: sociocultural- importance of close relations with PCPs, privacy concerns of revealing the body or conversing with unfamiliar physicians, strict supervision by the family (Bedouin society); logistical-limited internet access and infrastructure, personal- unawareness to RHS, digital literacy, normative conceptions of limited quality of care and believing that only some health conditions are suitable for RHS. Facilitating means to RHS use: gender roles-women’s role as family health caretakers, mothers maintaining work-family balance and younger women generation feeling responsible for the older generation RHS adoption, accessibility- wider access to care due to limited transportation. Conclusions It is important to identify facilitating conditions (e.g., training opportunities, social, technological support), cultured elements (gender roles, limited mobility), and trust to adopting RHS by minority populations. The study provide data for developing requirements to ensure more equitable access to RHS to Arab women including addressing privacy concerns, guidelines for RHS-related information dissemination, and for RHS providers. Key messages • The findings help develop approaches and means to improve RHS use for Arab women from diverse backgrounds by identifying barriers associated with access, culture, and normative conceptions. • Developing RHS systems into routine care must ensure equitable use across social groups and address economic, logistical, and sociocultural barriers and guidelines for RHS information dissemination.