A nurse developing a community health program is determining barriers to community resource referrals. What is an example of a resource barrier?

In the context of community health programs, resource barriers refer to obstacles that prevent individuals from accessing the services they need. A prime example of this is the costs associated with services. When financial burdens make healthcare or other community services unaffordable, individuals may be discouraged from using them, leading to unmet health needs and disparities in care. Affordability is a critical factor in enabling access to necessary resources, and when services are beyond a person's financial reach, they cannot take advantage of them despite their potential benefits.

Although decreased motivation, inadequate knowledge of resources, and lack of transportation also represent barriers to accessing community resources, they are primarily related to personal or situational issues rather than the structural aspect of resource availability. Costs directly impact whether services can be utilized, making it a fundamental concern in community health planning and interventions.