Challenges and Solutions in Provision of Health Services to People With Disabilities During Mass Gatherings

Although individuals with disabilities are more vulnerable and face higher risks of injury during mass gatherings, this population remains understudied. Their health may be at risk unless healthcare access barriers during large events are addressed. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the challenges that this at-risk group encounters when trying to obtain healthcare during mass gatherings.

A qualitative research study was carried out from May 6 to August 22, 2023. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 participants, which included individuals with disabilities, policymakers, managers, and specialists in disaster management. We employed purposive and snowball sampling techniques, continuing recruitment and data collection until theoretical saturation. The interviews reached saturation at this stage, with no new themes emerging. The gathered data were analyzed using both conventional content analysis and the Graneheim and Lundman approach.

On the basis of the findings, the identified challenges were categorized into two main groups: (1) challenges for managers and policymakers (including service provision, logistics, coordination, and planning); and (2) challenges for people with disabilities (including care support services, provision of infrastructure, and management of health services).

In order to ensure equity in access to health services, this study highlighted two key policy strategies: (1) the ongoing and meaningful participation of people with disabilities in designing, planning, and implementation health programs, and (2) multi-sectoral collaboration among health policymakers and relevant institutions to effectively integrate the needs of people with disabilities in to national and local mass gathering management programs.