The challenges and solutions of providing health services to people with disabilities in mass gatherings

Abstract Background: Despite being more susceptible and exposed to more injuries in such situations, people with disabilities have not received as much research attention as they should. Their health could be jeopardized if the restrictions on these people's ability to receive healthcare during mass gatherings are not addressed. The purpose of this study was to determine the difficulties this vulnerable population faces in accessing healthcare during mass gatherings. Methods: A qualitative investigation was carried out from May 6, 2023, to August 22, 2023. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a group of 26 participants, comprising individuals with disabilities, managers and staff involved in policymaking, and specialists in disaster management. The gathered data was analyzed using both traditional content analysis and the Graneheim and Lundman method. Results: According to the findings, theextracted challenges were placed in seven main categories: planning, support, coordination, providing care, support services, providing infrastructure, and health service management. Conclusion: It is imperative to examine the various factors influencing the equitable access of individuals with disabilities to health services, as policymakers prioritize the establishment of health justice and convenient access to healthcare. The findings of this study may offer fresh approaches to management and policymaking to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equitable access to healthcare during mass gatherings, particularly the Arbaeen pilgrimage.