Background and Aim: The fundamental right and most valuable asset for all strata of society is the enjoyment of health. Individuals residing in nomadic settings face geographical, social, cultural, and linguistic barriers when seeking access to essential services. The provision of healthcare services to nomads has become a complex issue due to the nature of the lifestyle. The aim of this study was to assess the challenges in the provision of healthcare services among the nomads in the Khuzestan province.
Materials and Methods: This study uses a qualitative approach, involving seventeen managers and staff from health centers affiliated with Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences. The data collection approach was inductive. Data were gathered through individual interviews, and participants’ opinions were recorded. The data were analyzed using the conventional content analysis method with a mixed approach (deductive and inductive). The credibility and quality of the data were assessed using the Guba and Lincoln method.
Results: The challenges in providing healthcare services in nomads were identified in nine categories and three overarching themes. The themes encompassed the nature and characteristics of the non-sedentary populations, the healthcare system, and the responsibilities of other sectors. The nature and characteristics of the nomads were categorized into five categories: demographic, cultural, climatic-geographic, socio-ethnic-tribal, and lifestyle. The healthcare delivery comprises of two aspects: structural and procedural. Additionally, the duties of other development sectors were categorized into two categories: infrastructures and inter-sectoral collaborations. The results showed that nomads face barriers to receiving healthcare due to the inherent characteristics of them, the healthcare system, and the performance of other organizations. The unstable population, cultural diversity, scattered distribution of the population, and their ethnic and migration-based lifestyle are among the inherent characteristics of nomads that impact the provision of services.
Conclusion: The provision of health services to nomads is influenced by recipients’ and providers’ characteristics. Decision-makers and managers, considering the unique conditions of life in the design and implementation of health programs, decision-makers and managers should prioritize strengthening healthcare networks in hard-to-reach areas. Given the limited resources and infrastructure weaknesses in settlements, inter-sectoral collaboration and the development of resources and infrastructure (applying the One Health approach) are important.
