Date of Award

2025

Type

Thesis

Major

Health Science

Degree Type

Master of Public Health

Department

Kinesiology and Health Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Patricia Anafi

Second Advisor

Dr. Rebecca Toland

Abstract

Persistent disparities in healthcare access continued to affect low-income, rural, and underserved populations across the United States. This capstone project explored these disparities within Valley HealthCare, a regional provider in Columbus, Georgia, by examining how social determinants such as income, education, geography, and transportation shaped healthcare engagement among adult patients. A mixed-methods case study design was used to analyze survey data, patient satisfaction feedback, and organizational reports from a sample of 80 adult patients between January and March 2025.

The results showed that patients residing in lower-income or geographically isolated areas reported significantly higher rates of missed appointments. Individuals with limited health literacy expressed greater dissatisfaction and were more likely to delay or forgo preventive care. Additionally, the absence of reliable transportation in rural ZIP codes was strongly associated with delayed or missed healthcare access. Educational attainment also was a key factor, as patients who had not completed high school were less likely to follow through with recommended care.

These findings emphasize the barriers faced by underserved populations and supported the need for patient-centered, community-informed interventions. Based on these results, this capstone proposed practical solutions such as mobile clinics, appointment reminder tools, culturally appropriate health education, and expansion of programs like “Food is Medicine.” By using patient feedback with structural data, this project offered actionable recommendations for healthcare systems and policymakers to reduce inequities and promote more accessible, equitable care delivery in similar community-based settings.

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