ABSTRACT
Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) has been consistently linked to disparities in health and social care access, impacting overall well-being. Understanding the specific barriers faced by different SES groups and the resulting outcomes is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Aim: This study aimed to examine the relationship between socioeconomic status and access to quality health and social care services, identifying key barriers and their effects on health outcomes.
Methods: A comprehensive analysis was conducted on a study population of 90 participants from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Data were collected over a one-year period from January 2023 to January 2024. Quantitative data were obtained through structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were gathered via in-depth interviews. Statistical analysis was employed to identify significant correlations between SES and access to services, and thematic analysis was used to explore qualitative data.
Results: The study found that individuals from lower socioeconomic groups faced significant barriers in accessing quality health and social care services. These barriers included financial constraints, lack of insurance, limited availability of services, and insufficient health literacy. Consequently, these individuals experienced poorer health outcomes compared to those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. The analysis highlighted that improved access to information and financial support could mitigate some of these disparities.
Conclusion: Socioeconomic status was a critical determinant of access to quality health and social care services. The identified barriers contributed to substantial inequalities in health outcomes. Addressing these barriers through policy changes and targeted interventions is essential to ensure equitable access to care for all socioeconomic groups.
Keywords: Socioeconomic status, health disparities, access to care, health outcomes, social care services, barriers to healthcare.