Impact of Health Infrastructure and Accessibility in Terengganu: Examining the Impact of Healthcare Facilities on Rural Communities

This study explores the impact of healthcare infrastructure and accessibility on rural communities in Terengganu, Malaysia, where significant disparities persist between rural and urban healthcare systems. Using a qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews with 20 rural residents, the research uncovers key themes around the limitations of healthcare infrastructure, barriers to healthcare access, and their effects on health outcomes. Findings reveal that inadequate availability of hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals, compounded by poor transportation networks and financial constraints, significantly hinder healthcare access in rural areas. Moreover, cultural preferences for traditional medicine and low health literacy further delay treatment-seeking behaviors, often resulting in worsening health conditions. The study is guided by the Social Determinants of Health (SDH) theory and the Health Belief Model (HBM), which together offer insights into the systemic and individual-level factors influencing healthcare access and utilization. The implications of the findings highlight the urgent need for targeted policies to improve rural healthcare delivery, including infrastructure development, workforce redistribution, and public health education. The research contributes to both theoretical understanding and policy reform discussions, with the ultimate goal of reducing healthcare disparities and improving health outcomes for underserved rural populations in Terengganu.