Bridging the Gap in Disparities: The Role of Nurses in Promoting Healthcare Equity in Low-income Communities

Abstract

Background: Health disparities has influence in shaping the overall health of individuals and communities. Socio economic status such as low income, education, occupation has contribute to health disparities. Poverty in a low income community hinder the health care access and resources. Another factor is geographic location where rural and urban underserved areas often challenges due to limited health care facilities, shortage of health personnel and lack of resources. The health inequalities serve as threat in achieving health care access. These disparities due to inequities in the availability, accessibility and limited resources in the community. As the health care sectors confront these disparities, health nurses role is important to reduce health inequalities through partnership with the people. Underpinning the imperative ro reduce health inequalities is to understand the right of the people to access the health care delivery system. Purpose: The aim of study is to explore the experiences of nurse role in promoting health equity in a low income community. Nurses plays significant in mobilizing the people to enhance community engagement and promotion for health initiatives. The study highlights in promoting and protecting the low income community population Methods: The study utilize descriptive Phenomenological approach seeking on the lived experiences of nurses role in promoting health equity in a low income community setting. Upon data saturation a total of 12 nurses who participated in the study. The inclusion of criteria includes (1) Registered nurse (2) at least two years of experience (3) working in government hospital or working as Primary health care provider in community. The study was conducted in selected community in Metro Manila. Result: A total of three emergent themes in the study (1) evolving role of nurse leadership (2) weaving together with partnership of the people (3) Advocate of accessible health services. This themes present that advancing health equity in low in come community setting requires holistic approach that transcend health care delivery system. Conclusion: The underscore the nurses role in promoting health equity and reduce disparities within low income communities. It was presented how the nurses is vital as front line in the delivery of health information and health care services that offer accessible health care services. Integrating these information ensure patients opportunity to access care. However, the study’s limited to geographic location, sample size and duration of the study may not capture for impact in the creation of initiatives pertaining to health care equity. Despite limitation it highlights the nurses role in empowering community, to address barriers that perpetuate inequalities and catalyst for transformation in ensuring health equity.