Assessing illness prevalence, treatment strategies, and healthcare access barriers among refugee populations

P. Maneesh, P.K. Govindaprasad, Ashraf Pulikkamath and A.G. Gnaneswari

International Journal of Business Continuity and Risk Management, 2025, vol. 15, issue 4, 391-417

Abstract: This study aims to investigate healthcare services for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees residing in Tamil Nadu, India, by assessing the prevalence of illnesses, treatment strategies utilised, and challenges in accessing healthcare services. Data were collected from a sample of 338 refugees through structured interviews and analysed via statistical methods. The findings revealed that respiratory infections were the most common illnesses, followed by mental health disorders. Nearly 75% of refugees relied on modern medicine, with only a small percentage seeking traditional medical treatment (Ayurveda) and self-medication. The main barriers to healthcare access identified were a lack of financial resources and language barriers. This study underscores the need for improved healthcare access for this population. Overcoming these barriers and encouraging access to modern medical treatment can greatly improve health outcomes. Furthermore, ensuring equitable access to healthcare and improving overall health outcomes is crucial for advancing social justice among refugees.

Keywords: morbidity prevalence; healthcare accessibility; treatment strategies; statelessness; healthcare disparities. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ids:ijbcrm:v:15:y:2025:i:4:p:391-417

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