Title: Assessing illness prevalence, treatment strategies, and healthcare access barriers among refugee populations

Authors: P. Maneesh; P.K. Govindaprasad; Ashraf Pulikkamath; A.G. Gnaneswari

Addresses: Department of Economics, School of Liberal and Creative Arts, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (Deemed to be University), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India ' Department of Economics, School of Liberal and Creative Arts, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (Deemed to be University), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India ' School of Social Sciences and Humanities (VISH), VIT-AP University, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, India ' Department of Economics, School of Liberal and Creative Arts, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (Deemed to be University), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: This study aims to investigate healthcare services for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees residing in Tamil Nadu, India, by assessing the prevalence of illnesses, treatment strategies utilised, and challenges in accessing healthcare services. Data were collected from a sample of 338 refugees through structured interviews and analysed via statistical methods. The findings revealed that respiratory infections were the most common illnesses, followed by mental health disorders. Nearly 75% of refugees relied on modern medicine, with only a small percentage seeking traditional medical treatment (Ayurveda) and self-medication. The main barriers to healthcare access identified were a lack of financial resources and language barriers. This study underscores the need for improved healthcare access for this population. Overcoming these barriers and encouraging access to modern medical treatment can greatly improve health outcomes. Furthermore, ensuring equitable access to healthcare and improving overall health outcomes is crucial for advancing social justice among refugees.

Keywords: morbidity prevalence; healthcare accessibility; treatment strategies; statelessness; healthcare disparities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBCRM.2025.150177

International Journal of Business Continuity and Risk Management, 2025 Vol.15 No.4, pp.391 - 417

Received: 24 Apr 2025
Accepted: 05 Sep 2025
Published online: 02 Dec 2025 *

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