Sex-Based Healthcare Access Inequity in Remote First Nations Communities with RA

First Nations individuals with rheumatoid arthritis in remote communities face barriers to healthcare. Women have more difficulty accessing care, regardless of RA diagnosis. A study in Canada found higher access challenges in remote vs urban areas. Remote residents reported more difficulties in Wait and Travel domains. Access to medications was perceived as worse for remote participants. Women consistently reported more difficulty accessing healthcare than men in both settings. Access to care improved in remote communities after 2009, especially in the Wait domain. Age, female sex, and living in a remote community were associated with poor access to care. Further research is needed to address healthcare disparities for First Nations females in remote areas.

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