Description
Background with Objective:
Global healthcare disparities persist, impacting diverse populations. In Bangladesh's Kamalganj union under Moulvibazar district, this study, conducted from January 2022 to March 2023, employs an intersectional lens to understand how social class, gender, and ethnicity intersect and contribute to healthcare inequities. The objective was to identify and analyze barriers to healthcare access in the region, particularly focusing on the intersection of socioeconomic class, gender, and ethnicity.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study with 404 participants aged 18-60 years utilized systemic sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire collected socio-demographic data, and the HLS EU Q6 assessed health literacy. Barriers to healthcare access were identified using a pretested questionnaire based on Lévesque's conceptual framework, specifically investigating the intersection of social factors, including socioeconomic class, gender, and ethnicity.
Results:
Findings revealed significant disparities in health literacy and healthcare access based on ethnicity. 'Manipuri' participants exhibited higher levels of ‘adequate health literacy’ (69.3%) compared to 'Bengali' participants (9.4%). A strong association between ethnicity and healthcare access was observed, with 83.2% of 'Bengali' individuals reporting 'inadequate healthcare access,' contrasting with 28.2% of 'Manipuri' individuals. Incorporating an intersectional perspective of social class, gender, and ethnicity, the study found the greatest healthcare barriers for 'Female Bengali of Low socioeconomic status' and the least for 'Male Manipuri of High socioeconomic status.'
Conclusion:
The study concludes that an intersectional approach is crucial for understanding nuanced healthcare disparities. Disparities in health literacy and access are linked to ethnicity, emphasizing the need for targeted policies. Specific vulnerable groups, such as low-socioeconomic Bengali females, face significant healthcare obstacles. Addressing these intersectional issues is imperative for developing effective and inclusive healthcare policies in Bangladesh's hilly regions.
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