Barriers and facilitators of preventive healthcare access among immigrants in rural America: a scoping review.

Preventive healthcare services are essential for improving health outcomes and reducing disparities; however, immigrant populations in rural America face significant barriers to accessing such care. This scoping review examines the barriers and facilitators to preventive healthcare access among rural immigrant populations in the United States, utilizing a systematic analysis of 21 peer-reviewed studies published between 2011 and 2025. Key findings reveal interconnected barriers at multiple levels, spanning from individual psychological factors to policy-level exclusions. Facilitators include community-based initiatives, culturally responsive care, and policy-driven supports such as Medicaid and vaccination programs. The review also highlights critical gaps in the literature, including limited research on non-Hispanic immigrant groups and underrepresentation of certain preventive care services, such as diabetes management and oral health. Addressing these challenges requires multilevel interventions that prioritize affordability, accessibility, and cultural relevance. This review underscores the need for comprehensive, equity-driven strategies to ensure that rural immigrant populations can fully benefit from preventive healthcare services.