In 2023, the Guadeloupe Regional Health Observatory (ORSaG), the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy, in partnership with the Departmental Council of Guadeloupe, conducted a study to assess the health needs of social welfare (Revenue de solidarité active; RSA) recipients. The objective was to identify barriers to healthcare access within this socially and economically vulnerable population.

Social welfare recipients in Guadeloupe were invited to complete a self-administered online questionnaire, either independently or with support from a digital advisor provided by the Departmental Council. The survey collected socio-demographic data (gender, age, family situation, employment status, healthcare coverage), health-related information (self-perceived physical and mental health), and details on access to healthcare services, forgone healthcare, and the reasons for forgoing care.

Between February 27 and May 31, 2023, a total of 240 volunteer social welfare recipients participated in the survey. Among them, 86% were women, and the average age was 42. Fifteen percent reported not being covered by complementary state health insurance (Complémentaire santé solidaire; C2S), and only 45% reported being in good or very good health. Nearly 40% faced financial difficulties in accessing healthcare; among them, the vast majority (89%) reported having forgone care. Long wait times for medical appointments and unsuitable opening hours were also cited as reasons for forgoing care.

The findings suggest that social welfare recipients in Guadeloupe have a poorer perception of their health compared to the general population, encounter significant barriers to accessing healthcare services, and are not always sufficiently informed about existing social support programs. It would be beneficial to strengthen communication about these programs, particularly through the Departmental Council's integration offices, and to ensure that recipients are making full use of the available services.