Unmet Health System Needs in an Industrial–Peri-Urban Setting: A Qualitative Study from Namanve Industrial Park and Surrounding Communities, Uganda

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Abstract Background Industrial and peri-urban settings present complex health challenges driven by occupational exposures, environmental risks, and socioeconomic vulnerability. Despite ongoing health education and preventive efforts, many populations living and working in such settings continue to experience significant unmet health needs that limit wellbeing and access to care. Methods This cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted in Namanve Industrial Park and surrounding communities in Mukono District, Uganda, as part of a baseline assessment to inform a planned health education intervention. Data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) involving industrial workers, supervisors, health and safety personnel, teachers, school administrators, school nurses, and community stakeholders. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach to identify unmet health needs and related systemic gaps. Results Participants articulated multiple, interrelated unmet health needs spanning preventive and primary healthcare services, sexual and reproductive health, first aid and occupational safety, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), environmental health, and mental health and psychosocial support. Frequently reported gaps included limited access to routine screening and testing services, lack of essential commodities such as first aid supplies, sanitary pads, personal protective equipment, and soap, inadequate WASH infrastructure, insufficient mental health and counselling services, and structural barriers related to informal employment and poor living conditions. These unmet needs were commonly expressed through requests for materials and services, reflecting broader health system and institutional shortcomings rather than individual dependency. Conclusion The findings demonstrate that unmet health needs in Namanve Industrial Park and surrounding communities are driven by systemic and structural gaps that constrain access to basic healthcare and preventive services. Addressing these needs requires integrated interventions that combine health education with improved service delivery, essential commodities, and supportive environments. Baseline evidence from this study provides critical guidance for designing context-appropriate, sustainable health interventions in industrial and peri-urban settings.

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