BARRIERS TO HEALTHCARE ACCESS, CULTURAL PRACTICES, AND PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AS WAYS TO DEVELOP STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE HEALTHCARE ACCESS EQUITY: EXPERIENCES OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

Access to equitable and quality healthcare for Indigenous Peoples is a continuing global challenge. This study investigates the perspectives of the Mansaka community regarding their access to fair healthcare services. Using a qualitative descriptive methodology, data were collected through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with ten Indigenous health workers, community leaders, and members. The findings identified significant barriers to healthcare access, such as perceived cultural insensitivity, financial challenges, and geographic isolation. The study suggests implementing culturally competent healthcare practices and involving Indigenous Peoples in healthcare planning and delivery. Additionally, it advocates for utilizing identified themes and sub-themes as variables with corresponding indicators to assess health access and equity in Indigenous communities. Keywords: Barriers, healthcare access, cultural Practices, personal experiences, ways to develop strategies, improve healthcare access equity, experiences Indigenous People.