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Instructor/Advisor

Dr. Nicholas SantaBarbara

Keywords

Healthcare access, underserved communities, mobile clinics

Abstract

This research explores the multifaceted challenges faced by rural and underserved communities in Costa Rica in accessing healthcare. Through a qualitative survey of 30 patients in La Carpio and La Garita, and insights from fieldwork, the study identifies significant barriers such as transportation difficulties, financial constraints, lack of insurance, absence of follow-up care, and systemic inefficiencies. In particular, rural transportation emerged as a critical challenge, with many patients walking long distances due to the absence of affordable options. Mobile clinics run by the International Service Learning (ISL) organization were crucial, with 80% of participants accessing healthcare only through these services.

The research also examines community health needs, including chronic diseases, malnutrition, and mental health issues, and highlights the limited access to specialty care and medications. It underscores the importance of partnerships between local healthcare providers, universities, and international organizations to address these disparities. Through a socioecological framework, the study emphasizes the complex interaction between individuals, their communities, and larger systemic factors that influence health outcomes.

Recommendations for improving healthcare access include expanding mobile healthcare initiatives, enhancing volunteer preparation, increasing access to medications, creating structured follow-up care programs, and incorporating cultural competence in mission planning. Additionally, community health education focusing on nutrition, hygiene, and chronic disease management is essential. The study advocates for a shift from episodic mission models to sustainable, community-driven health initiatives that empower local populations, improve healthcare infrastructure, and ensure equitable access to healthcare in underserved Costa Rican communities.

Breaking Barriers: A Socioecological Approach to Sustainable Healthcare Access in Underserved Costa Rican Communities

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