Assessing healthcare access among residents in rural Eastern San Diego County: a qualitative study

Background Rural health disparities are rooted in a multitude of environmental and social risk factors that limit access to healthcare, such as medications, clinical services, and preventive care. This qualitative study aims to (1) elucidate the experiences of receiving healthcare services and (2) describe the gaps in healthcare and public health infrastructure experienced by residents of rural Eastern San Diego County. Methods Semi-structured interviews (n = 24) were conducted among rural Eastern San Diego County residents. Conventional content analysis techniques were used to analyze the data. Themes were further contextualized via the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities Framework. Results Four themes were constructed: 1) geographical isolation, unreliable transit systems, and financial constraints lead to critical health conditions being left untreated and neglected among rural residents; 2) rural residents experienced heightened administrative burdens that limited their ability to receive primary-level care; 3) substantial gaps in rural aging health programming limit access to care and place aging rural residents at a greater risk of health-related complications; and 4) critical investment is needed to ensure the basic public health and safety of rural communities. Conclusion Local health facilities should focus on federal and state funding to expand medical care for rural communities. Additionally, an affordable and localized mobile clinic is needed to address the healthcare needs of rural residents. Further action is necessary to address the failing public health infrastructure in rural Eastern San Diego County.