Difficulties Vietnamese Technical Intern Trainees Face in Obtaining Medical Services in Japan / 国際保健医療

ABSTRACT

Purpose  The number of Vietnamese technical intern trainees is increasing annually due to the revision of the Immigration Control Law in Japan. However, there are few studies focusing on the trainees’ health issues and medical consultations. This study aims to clarify the difficulties they face in obtaining healthcare services after coming to Japan.Method  Semi-structured interviews regarding the difficulties faced by trainees in accessing medical services were conducted. Twelve Vietnamese technical intern trainees (eight men [66.6%] and four women [33.4%] with an average age of 26.3 years and average stay period of 2 years and 3 months) living in the Kansai area were interviewed. Data analysis was conducted using a qualitative descriptive method.Results and Discussion  Four categories of difficulties in receiving medical treatment were found “no hospital visits unless the situation worsens,” “inability to receive medical services without the support of company or supervising organization officials,” “inability to seek confirmation even if they have questions or are dissatisfied,” and “hesitation for seeking medical help due to work and scheduling.”   For Vietnamese technical intern trainees, the company or supervising organization officials’ support played an important role in accessing medical services. Moreover, even if the trainees had doubts or dissatisfactions, they were unable to ask questions and receive confirmation. Therefore, it is necessary not only to actively explain the need for medical services to the company or supervising organization officials but also to ask the trainees if they have any doubts.Conclusion  The company and supervising organization official’s support played an important role at accessing medical service. It will be essential to cooperate not only with them but also with the occupational health field and regional medical institutions.