This study investigates the factors contributing to slum residents’ vulnerability to poor health and examines how economic, physical/infrastructural, and social determinants interact to influence health outcomes, with the aim of informing policy and program development. A mixed deductive-inductive approach was employed for data analysis. Initially, a deductive framework categorized the data into four overarching themes: Economic, Physical/Infrastructure, Social, and Health. Subsequently, following Braun and Clarke’s methodology, sub-themes were identified based on researchers’ interpretations and the lived experiences reported by slum residents. The research was conducted across 13 districts, utilizing 40 focus group discussions to collect information from vulnerable populations. Poverty emerged as the primary driver of rural-to-urban domestic migration, exacerbating challenges such as illiteracy, unemployment, and substandard living conditions, which increase susceptibility to various health problems. Inadequate access to nutritious food, unsafe water, and poor waste management further amplify health risks. Slum populations experience intertwined economic, social, and physical vulnerabilities that collectively contribute to adverse health outcomes. Improving health and well-being in slum communities necessitates an integrated strategy combining policy interventions, community engagement, and multisectoral collaboration.
