| This qualitative study investigates the multifaceted barriers faced by Mestizo
caregivers in accessing and utilizing foreign Speech-language therapist (SLT) services in
Belize. Additionally, it examines Mestizo caregivers' viewpoints on the supports,
opportunities, and effects of these services. This is important because the existing literature
predominantly focuses on the perspectives of foreign providers or the student stakeholders
involved in the global health experience (GHE). There were 10 Mestizo caregivers who were
divided into four focus groups. Thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews revealed that
Mestizo caregivers had positive experiences with foreign SLT intervention in Belize.
However, they encountered barriers such as limited awareness of communication disorders
and challenges in accessing local SLT services. These barriers reflect Belize’s developing
SLT infrastructure. In the short term, GHE providers play a crucial role in delivering SLT
services, addressing the communicative challenges at the grassroots level. Moreover,
understanding and tailoring interventions to meet the specific needs of different cultures is
imperative until local capacity, such as the development of university SLT programs, can be
established.
Key Words: Speech-language therapists, Belize, caregiver perspectives, barriers, global
health experiences |