BMC Public Health
Volume 11, 2011

Health care seeking among detained undocumented migrants: A cross-sectional study (Article) (Open Access)

Dorn T.* , Ceelen M. , Tang M.-J. , Browne J.L. , De Keijzer K.J.C. , Buster M.C.A. , Das K.
  • a Public Health Service, Department of Epidemiology, Documentation and Health Promotion, P.O. Box 2200, 1000 CE Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • b Public Health Service, Department of Epidemiology, Documentation and Health Promotion, P.O. Box 2200, 1000 CE Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • c Public Health Service, Department of Epidemiology, Documentation and Health Promotion, P.O. Box 2200, 1000 CE Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • d Public Health Service, Department of Epidemiology, Documentation and Health Promotion, P.O. Box 2200, 1000 CE Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • e Public Health Service, Department of Forensic Medicine, P.O. Box 2200, 1000 CE Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • f Public Health Service, Department of Epidemiology, Documentation and Health Promotion, P.O. Box 2200, 1000 CE Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • g Public Health Service, Department of Forensic Medicine, P.O. Box 2200, 1000 CE Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

Background: As in many European countries, access to care is decreased for undocumented migrants in the Netherlands due to legislation. Studies on the health of undocumented migrants in Europe are scarce and focus on care-seeking migrants. Not much is known on those who do not seek care. Methods: This cross-sectional study includes both respondents who did and did not seek care, namely undocumented migrants who have been incarcerated in a detention centre while awaiting expulsion to their country of origin. A consecutive sample of all new arrivals was studied. Data were collected through structured interviews and reviews of medical records. Results: Among the 224 male migrants who arrived at the detention centre between May and July 2008, 173 persons were interviewed. 122 respondents met inclusion criteria. Only half of the undocumented migrants in this study knew how to get access to medical care in the Netherlands if in need. Forty-six percent of respondents reported to have sought medical help during their stay in the Netherlands while having no health insurance (n = 57). Care was sought most frequently for injuries and dental problems. About 25% of these care seekers reported to have been denied care by a health care provider. Asian migrants were significantly less likely to seek care when compared to other ethnic groups, independent from age, chronic health problems and length of stay in the Netherlands. Conclusion: The study underlines the need for a better education of undocumented patients and providers concerning the opportunities for health care in the Netherlands. Moreover, there is a need to further clarify the reasons for the denial of care to undocumented patients, as well as the barriers to health care as perceived by undocumented migrants. © 2011 Dorn et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Netherlands patient abandonment Refusal to Treat psychological aspect human statistics qualitative research Cross-Sectional Studies cross-sectional study Humans male Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article adult migration legal aspect patient attitude Patient Acceptance of Health Care Transients and Migrants attitude to health Health Services Accessibility health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-79953114325&doi=10.1186%2f1471-2458-11-190&partnerID=40&md5=dbf73579a16a1778e6a865ea1ac327bb
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-190
ISSN: 14712458
Cited by: 12
Original Language: English