Barriers to Healthcare Access among Visually Impaired in Iligan City, Philippines: A Qualitative Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2024.v16i02.021Abstract
Background: The visually impaired population continues to experience disparities in healthcare access, reducing their capacity to meet physical and mental needs. This study delved into the barriers visually impaired individuals face when accessing healthcare to determine how nurses, as front-line healthcare providers, might help this underserved population. Methods: This study employed a qualitative descriptive research design utilizing in-depth one-on-one interviews with fifteen visually impaired massage therapists in Iligan City, Philippines recruited through a purposive sampling technique. The researchers developed an interview guide with open-ended questions for the unstructured interview sessions. The interviews underwent a process of recording, transcription, and thematic analysis. Results: Several barriers discouraged visually impaired individuals from seeking medical care, including challenges related to accessing healthcare facilities due to a lack of support and transportation difficulties. Other issues include inadequate knowledge of healthcare access, fear of discrimination, negative experiences with health services, and financial constraints. Conclusion: Visually impaired individuals encounter complex barriers to healthcare, including the need for reliable assistance, inadequate transportation, limited support systems, and financial constraints. Additional challenges like insufficient social interactions, low health literacy, and discrimination further hinder their access to care. Financial issues often lead them to prioritize other needs, worsening their health. A comprehensive approach is needed to address these barriers, including enhancing support networks, improving accessibility, providing better assistive devices, and training healthcare personnel. Increasing health literacy and making healthcare more affordable are also crucial for creating a more inclusive system that effectively serves visually impaired individuals.
Keywords:
Healthcare Access, Massage Therapist, Visually ImpairedDownloads
References
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