Immigrants (Asanin and Wilson, 2008) Flashcards
What problems do immigrants face with regards to health?
Immigrant face barriers in accessing health care services.
What is the paper on?
‘‘I spent nine years looking for a doctor’’: Exploring access to health care among immigrants in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Why is important to eliminate these barrier of health care access for immigrants?
Immigrants make up an increasing percentage of the population in many developed nations.
Has global migration increased or decreased?
The number of international migrants increased from 87 million in 1975 to 191 million in 2005 (United Nations, 2006).
Immigrants account for how much of the population of Canada?
Almost 20% of the total population
How many immigrants arrive in Canada every year?
Approximately 250,000 new immigrants arrive contributing to two thirds of the population growth (Statistics Canada, 2001).
Why do countries rely on international migrants?
To fill labor shortages, strengthen national economies, and contribute to demographic stability.
They represent important economic, social and demographic assets to their host country.
Research tells that immigrants often face multiple barriers when attempting to access health care services including…
language, cost, location, transportation, and cultural sensitivity.
Why is inaccessibility such an important concern for host countries?
It prevents newcomers from fully participating in society.
Influence migrants choice in destination country.
What does this paper present the findings of?
A qualitative study exploring access to health care among a diverse group of immigrants residing in one neighbourhood in the City of Mississauga, Ontario.
Sought to understand the key barriers to health care as perceived by immigrants themselves.
1994 to 2001 how many Canadians reported they did not receive health care when needed?
In 1994 approximately 5% and by 2001 this figure had more than doubled.
How many Canadians did not have a regular family doctor in 2005?
Approximately 17% (Namba- lamba and Millar, 2007).
Results from eight focus groups in the Dixie-Bloor neighbourhood within the City of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
Shared perception geographic access to family physisicians is poor
Lack of physicians in the area accepting new patients
Long wait times to see a physician
Avoid going long distances to find doctor because they feel uncomfortable using buses due to unfamiliarity with the English language.
Language difficulties represent a significant barrier to receiving appropriate health care.
Express apprehension regarding their ability to comprehend their health concerns.
Finding female physicians for women with cultural or religious reasons was very difficult.
Avoid seeking primary care and are therefore left untreated.
Discussion of perceiving Canadian medical care as rushed, impersonal, incomprehensive and lacking depth.
Difference between Doctors in Canada and ‘back home’?
“Back home…doctors use the mind and they take a chance, but here the doctors are very reserved…they go through a system because they worry that maybe they will be sued. (Participant, Pregnant Mothers Group 2).
What is a barrier for immigrants who require pre- scription medication?
Cost
Provincial health plans do not include the provision of extended health benefits (e.g., prescription drugs, eyeglasses, dental care).
“Medicine is very expensive. We can’t afford it. Nowadays my husband is sick and we can’t afford it.” (Participant, Family Daycare Group)
