Healthcare Access Worsened for Women in Precarious Housing During the Covid-19 Pandemic

A Qualitative Study

Bibliographic Data

ID13774718
Authorsİrem Şevik (0000-0001-6536-1665, Department of Public Health, Ege University Medical Faculty, Izmir, Turkey, corresponding author), Meltem Çiçeklioğlu (Department of Public Health, Ege University Medical Faculty, Izmir, Turkey)
Year2024
Volume61
Pages469580241246478-469580241246478
Publication date2024-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueINQUIRY The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0046-9580 • E-ISSN: 1945-7243
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00469580241246478
PMID38602064
OpenAlexW4394729823
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited36

This research aims to gain an in-depth understanding of precariously housed women's experiences related to health and access to health care during the COVID-19 pandemic using a grounded theory approach. Qualitative data were obtained through interviews with 17 precariously housed women from Izmir, Turkey. Poor health among most participants was primarily attributed to unfavorable living conditions and weakened community networks. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing health issues due to barriers in accessing basic needs. Food insecurity was widespread during the pandemic and the critical role of aid and the inadequacy of social assistance in securing food were emphasized. Women's health perceptions were significantly shaped by gender, and gendered caregiving duties have restricted women's healthcare access. Access to healthcare was also limited by financial challenges, with health insurance being a crucial determinant. Longer waiting times, often exacerbated by the appointment system, and language were significant barriers to healthcare access. The findings propose that the participants were precarized by the blindness of COVID-19 measures to vulnerabilities, which resulted in deeper inequalities in housing, food, employment, and healthcare access. This research addresses the political, commercial, and social determinants of precariously housed women's health. Improving precariously housed women's health and wellbeing requires implementation of public policies targeting to improve housing quality, provide targeted assistance to food insecurity, promote gender inclusiveness, and foster gender empowerment

Business · Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 · Economic growth · Economics · Empowerment · Environmental health · Health care · Health equity · Inequality · Pandemic · Political science · Qualitative research · Sociology · Employment and Welfare Studies · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Global Health Care Issues · Medicine · Nursing

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