Access to Adequate Healthcare in Low Socioeconomic Communities
Location
Turner Gymnasium
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Presentation Type
Printed poster
Entry Number
30
Start Date
4-16-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
4-16-2026 1:15 PM
School
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Department
Nursing
Keywords
healthcare access, health disparities, underserved communities, health equity, literature
Abstract
Access to Adequate Healthcare in Low Socioeconomic Communities
Access to healthcare has a major impact on patient’s health outcomes, and still, many individuals, especially those in underserved communities, face significant barriers. This literature review explores deep into key obstacles that are presented in healthcare access. The most significant obstacles include lack of health insurance, limited availability to healthcare resources, and challenges associated with accessible transportation. This nationwide study was conducted to help identify patterns and assess the impact of these barriers on health disparities. The findings show that low socioeconomic and minority groups are objectively affected due to being uninsured and are therefore less likely to receive preventive care. Health insurance coverage is meant to improve access to clinical and healthcare services, however, even insured patients encounter barriers such as limited access to providers, high deductibles or coverage exclusions. Transportation and geographic-related obstacles only compound the issues associated with obtaining proper access, particularly in marginalized communities. This contributes to delayed diagnoses and potentially negative health outcomes. Common themes within the literature include the interrelation of various socioeconomic factors, access to insurance, knowledge of insurance status barriers, and configuration in shaping access to healthcare. The findings highlight the necessity for improving systems that deliver care, addressing provider distribution issues, and improving transportation access. These insights have significant implications for policy and public health efforts aimed at reducing health disparities and promoting equitable access to care.
Keywords: healthcare access, health disparities, underserved communities, health equity, literature
Primary Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Susan Braud
Primary Faculty Mentor(s) Department
Dr. Susan Braud (Nursing Department)
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Access to Adequate Healthcare in Low Socioeconomic Communities
Turner Gymnasium
Access to Adequate Healthcare in Low Socioeconomic Communities
Access to healthcare has a major impact on patient’s health outcomes, and still, many individuals, especially those in underserved communities, face significant barriers. This literature review explores deep into key obstacles that are presented in healthcare access. The most significant obstacles include lack of health insurance, limited availability to healthcare resources, and challenges associated with accessible transportation. This nationwide study was conducted to help identify patterns and assess the impact of these barriers on health disparities. The findings show that low socioeconomic and minority groups are objectively affected due to being uninsured and are therefore less likely to receive preventive care. Health insurance coverage is meant to improve access to clinical and healthcare services, however, even insured patients encounter barriers such as limited access to providers, high deductibles or coverage exclusions. Transportation and geographic-related obstacles only compound the issues associated with obtaining proper access, particularly in marginalized communities. This contributes to delayed diagnoses and potentially negative health outcomes. Common themes within the literature include the interrelation of various socioeconomic factors, access to insurance, knowledge of insurance status barriers, and configuration in shaping access to healthcare. The findings highlight the necessity for improving systems that deliver care, addressing provider distribution issues, and improving transportation access. These insights have significant implications for policy and public health efforts aimed at reducing health disparities and promoting equitable access to care.
Keywords: healthcare access, health disparities, underserved communities, health equity, literature