Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Access to Healthcare Services in Underserved Communities in Cameroon
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47672/ajppa.1852Keywords:
Socioeconomic Status, Healthcare Services, Underserved CommunitiesAbstract
Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of socioeconomic status on access to healthcare services in underserved communities in Cameroon.
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: Access to healthcare services in underserved communities is significantly impacted by socioeconomic status, with profound implications for health outcomes. Research indicates that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face barriers such as financial constraints, limited education, and inadequate health insurance coverage, which restrict their ability to seek and afford necessary medical care. Consequently, these populations often experience disparities in healthcare access, leading to delayed diagnosis, untreated chronic conditions, and higher rates of preventable diseases. Moreover, the scarcity of healthcare facilities and providers in underserved areas exacerbates the problem, further marginalizing vulnerable populations. Efforts to address these disparities require multifaceted approaches, including policy interventions to expand insurance coverage, increase funding for community health centers, improve healthcare infrastructure, and implement initiatives to promote health literacy and preventive care awareness among disadvantaged communities.
Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social determinants of health theory, health belief model and intersectionality theory may be use to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of socioeconomic status on access to healthcare services in underserved communities in Cameroon. Healthcare providers should receive training in cultural competence to effectively address the diverse needs of underserved communities. Policymakers should prioritize healthcare reform efforts aimed at addressing systemic barriers to access, such as insurance coverage gaps and healthcare workforce shortages in underserved areas.
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