Which term captures obstacles such as stigma or transportation problems that hinder access to help?

• A. Barriers
• B. Facilitators
• C. Solutions
• D. Opportunities

Answer: (A)

Access to help is shaped by barriers—these are the obstacles that prevent people from getting the services they need. Stigma can deter someone from seeking support because of fear of judgment or shame, creating a psychological barrier. Transportation problems make it physically hard to reach appointments, which is a logistical barrier. Other common barriers include cost, language differences, confusing paperwork, child care needs, and limited service hours. This term specifically pinpoints the things that block access, whereas facilitators would be factors that help access, solutions are methods to overcome problems, and opportunities are favorable chances that don’t describe obstacles.