BMC Health Services Research
Volume 12, Issue 1, 2012

A metasynthesis of qualitative studies regarding opinions and perceptions about barriers and determinants of health services’ accessibility in economic migrants (Article) (Open Access)

Agudelo-Suárez A.A.* , Gil-González D. , Vives-Cases C. , Love J.G. , Wimpenny P. , Ronda-Pérez E.
  • a Faculty of Dentistry, University of Antioquia, Calle 64 N° 52-59, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia, Public Health Research Group, University of Alicante, Campus de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, Alicante, 03690, Spain
  • b Public Health Research Group, University of Alicante, Campus de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, Alicante, 03690, Spain, Observatory of Health Policies and Health (OPPS), University of Alicante, Campus de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, Alicante, 03690, Spain, CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
  • c Public Health Research Group, University of Alicante, Campus de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, Alicante, 03690, Spain, CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
  • d School of Applied Social Studies, Faculty of Health and Social Care Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
  • e Joanna Briggs Collaborating Centre, Faculty of Health and Social Care, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
  • f Public Health Research Group, University of Alicante, Campus de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, Alicante, 03690, Spain, CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain

Abstract

Background: Access to health services is an important health determinant. New research in health equity is required, especially amongst economic migrants from developing countries. Studies conducted on the use of health services by migrant populations highlight existing gaps in understanding which factors affect access to these services from a qualitative perspective. We aim to describe the views of the migrants regarding barriers and determinants of access to health services in the international literature (1997–2011). Methods: A systematic review was conducted for Qualitative research papers (English/Spanish) published in 13 electronic databases. A selection of articles that accomplished the inclusion criteria and a quality evaluation of the studies were carried out. The findings of the selected studies were synthesised by means of metasynthesis using different analysis categories according to Andersen’s conceptual framework of access and use of health services and by incorporating other emergent categories. Results: We located 3,025 titles, 36 studies achieved the inclusion criteria. After quality evaluation, 28 articles were definitively synthesised. 12 studies (46.2%) were carried out in the U.S and 11 studies (42.3%) dealt with primary care services. The participating population varied depending mainly on type of host country. Barriers were described, such as the lack of communication between health services providers and migrants, due to idiomatic difficulties and cultural differences. Other barriers were linked to the economic system, the health service characteristics and the legislation in each country. This situation has consequences for the lack of health control by migrants and their social vulnerability. Conclusions: Economic migrants faced individual and structural barriers to the health services in host countries, especially those with undocumented situation and those experimented idiomatic difficulties. Strategies to improve the structures of health systems and social policies are needed. © 2012 Agudelo-Suárez et al.

Author Keywords

emigrants and immigrants Health services accessibility Systematic review Qualitative research Metasynthesis health care

Index Keywords

cultural anthropology perception law primary medical care economics human health service policy qualitative research Health Services Needs and Demand meta analysis Humans migrant conceptual framework psychology health services standards Article migration utilization Transients and Migrants systematic review Healthcare Disparities health care disparity Health Services Accessibility primary health care Culture health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84870982088&doi=10.1186%2f1472-6963-12-461&partnerID=40&md5=8c1f29896c7d1e199388b70b84d31228
DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-12-461
ISSN: 14726963
Cited by: 37
Original Language: English