BARRIERS TO HEALTHCARE ACCESS AMONG SELECTED IMPOVERISHED INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN REMOTE AREAS OF SELECTED MUNICIPALITIES IN DISTRICT IV, NUEVA ECIJA

Abstract

Accessing healthcare services poses significant challenges, particularly for individuals residing in remote areas. This study investigates the barriers encountered by individuals living in remote areas when accessing healthcare services, explores their coping strategies, and suggests effective solutions for implementation. The study utilized a phenomenological research design to identify healthcare barriers faced by individuals in remote areas of selected municipalities in District IV, Nueva Ecija. A total of ten participants were involved in the study. Semi-structured interviews and audio recordings were used for data collection, and thematic analysis was employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that the majority of participants were female and belonged to the age range of 22 to 54 years old. The participants encountered barriers to healthcare access due to financial constraints, geographical distance, lack of healthcare facilities, and uneven road conditions. These barriers resulted in difficulties navigating roads, borrowing money for medications, loss of life, infrequent hospital visits, and limited electrical supply. To improve healthcare access, the study suggests providing free medical supplies, additional barangay services, employment opportunities, accessible and well-equipped healthcare centers, and road repairs. The findings highlight the need to improve healthcare services for underprivileged individuals living in remote areas. The results revealed that participants experienced multiple barriers to healthcare access due to their residence in remote locations and limited income. The study suggests that government agencies should recognize these issues and implement solutions to support individuals living in remote areas. Overall, this research helps illustrate how healthcare access barriers affect the daily lives of individuals residing in remote communities.