International Journal of Public Health
Volume 61, Issue 6, 2016, Pages 673-682

Utilization of health-care services among immigrants recruited through non-profit organizations in southern Italy (Article)

Bianco A. , Larosa E. , Pileggi C. , Nobile C.G.A. , Pavia M.*
  • a Department of Health Sciences, Medical School, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, Campus of Germaneto, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy
  • b Department of Health Sciences, Medical School, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, Campus of Germaneto, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy
  • c Department of Health Sciences, Medical School, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, Campus of Germaneto, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy
  • d Department of Health Sciences, Medical School, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, Campus of Germaneto, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy
  • e Department of Health Sciences, Medical School, University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”, Campus of Germaneto, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy

Abstract

Objectives: The study aims were focused on acquiring information about access to health-care services and to investigate the potential barriers affecting full access to health-care services. Methods: The study population consisted of immigrants and refugees aged 18 or more living in Italy for at least 12 months recruited through non-profit organizations. Results: 961 immigrants took part in the study, with a response rate of 98.9 %. Of the participants, 85 % had access to a general practitioner (GP) at least once, and 46.6 and 22.4 % mentioned a minimum one emergency visit and hospital stay, respectively. Diagnostic procedures and/or drug prescriptions (49.7 %), chronic disease control (15.8 %), and preventive interventions (13 %) were the most reported reasons for GP access. Conclusions: This study yielded current and broader insight into the model of health-care utilization among immigrants. The findings adds to our understanding of the third-sector organizations’ role in facilitating immigrants’ access to services offered by the Italian National Health Service, contributing to the extensive discussion on how to best manage migrant health care in Italy. © 2016, Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+).

Author Keywords

Barriers Immigrant Italy Access Health-care services utilization

Index Keywords

refugee human Refugees middle aged health service Aged General Practitioners general practitioner Organizations, Nonprofit Surveys and Questionnaires Humans migrant Adolescent male Emigrants and Immigrants female questionnaire health services adult utilization Italy non profit organization Health Services Accessibility health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84964466808&doi=10.1007%2fs00038-016-0820-1&partnerID=40&md5=b1ee0cbd19e7ce2782ce51ac19559c7e
DOI: 10.1007/s00038-016-0820-1
ISSN: 16618556
Cited by: 8
Original Language: English