International Journal Of Occupational Health and Public Health Nursing

Sociological Factors that Influence Access to Primary Health Care (PHC) Settings

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• Abstract

  Health services and therefore the services of a primary health care are imbedded in a structured, rational health system that should offer a global and human approach of health needs of all social groups. Health is a fundamental human right and every person should have access to health care services. Unfortunately, globally, a large number of people do not have access. As a result, a large part of the planet suffers from infections and has a very low life expectancy. In addition, health inequalities can be determined by a series of indicators that determine access to health services and therefore prevention and treatment. Health inequalities are related with a low income, cultural differences, geographical and organizational barriers. Specifically, national minorities, economic and political refugees suffer today internationally intense social exclusions to health services, especially in primary health care. Main obstacles are the lack of information materials to foreign languages, lack of translators and information from the host country. In conclusion, accessibility of vulnerable individuals to health services and human rights are protected with a number of international laws. However, the road remains long, with unfulfilled obligations as there is need for a lot of changes, in order to ensure proper health for all population groups.