Health inequity and social determinants of healthcare utilization in the disadvantaged community of Hong Kong.

Access to appropriate healthcare among disadvantaged populations in countries with universal healthcare requires a critical understanding of the relationships between poverty, social exclusion and health in the local context. This study explored the experiences and views of healthcare access among residents living in slum conditions in an inner-city impoverished community in Hong Kong. The findings indicated that in addition to low functional health literacy that is rooted in structural barriers of public resources, a lack of patient-centred care was prevalent due to stigma attached to poverty. Poor quality interactions with healthcare providers and systems resulted in fatalistic beliefs in health promotion. Social and educational resources should be provided to the disadvantaged to enhance collective efficacy to build a resilient health community.