BMC Research Notes
Volume 11, Issue 1, 2018

Understanding experiences of the Swedish health care system from the perspective of newly arrived refugees (Article) (Open Access)

Mangrio E.* , Carlson E. , Zdravkovic S.
  • a Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden, Malmö Institute for Studies of Migration, Diversity and Welfare (MIM), Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
  • b Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
  • c Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden, Malmö Institute for Studies of Migration, Diversity and Welfare (MIM), Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden

Abstract

Objective: Refugees seek medical advice for a variety of reasons. Previous research suggests that understanding the refugees' experiences of and access to healthcare are important factors for improving their health as access to healthcare has been found to be a leading health indicator. Therefore, the aim of this study was to illuminate experiences of the Swedish health care system from the perspective of newly arrived refugees. Results: More than 70% of newly arrived refugees in the county of Scania were in need of health care during the last 3 months of 2015-2016. They did not seek care to the same extent as the general population. The main reasons were explained as too high costs, long waiting times and language difficulties. Some disclosed being denied access to health care for reasons, such as being denied care when seeking emergency room for stomach problems and being denied follow-up care for diabetes. © 2018 The Author(s).

Author Keywords

Health care access Refugees health care Experiences

Index Keywords

refugee human Refugees middle aged Aged qualitative research Young Adult Sweden Humans migrant Adolescent male Emigrants and Immigrants female Aged, 80 and over very elderly adult Delivery of Health Care Health Services Accessibility health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85052758871&doi=10.1186%2fs13104-018-3728-4&partnerID=40&md5=6d2f56593954ea68f9a8f2a0e6c36380
DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3728-4
ISSN: 17560500
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English