Abstract
Background: Poverty has been identified as a significant barrier to access to care for diabetes patients. Diabetes requires ongoing and adequate medical care, and delays or lack of care can exacerbate the disease and its complications. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the barriers that affect access to healthcare among diabetic patients living in poverty in Morocco. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with 20 diabetic individuals selected through purposive sampling. An interview guide was developed to facilitate in-depth interviews. The data were evaluated using the qualitative content analysis method. Results: Following data saturation, the final sample consisted of 20 participants: Twelve males and eight females, ranging in age from 23 to 83 years old. Three themes were identified as barriers for the poor: Contextual barriers, healthcare institution barriers, and patient barriers. The main findings highlighted the financial difficulties patients face due to the high cost of treatment for their illnesses. There was also an emphasis on issues related to healthcare institutions, including a lack of equipment and medication, staff shortages, distance, transportation, and the nature of the relationship between healthcare providers and patients. Conclusions: The study examined the obstacles to obtaining healthcare for diabetic patients living in poverty. These findings will help generate realistic recommendations for new strategies to improve equitable access to healthcare for the poor.