'I Didn't Know Where to Go': A Mixed-Methods Approach to Explore Migrants' Perspectives of Access and Use of Health Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
; 19(20)2022 Oct 13.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2071441
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic put pressure on health systems, affecting populations' use of health services, especially those experiencing increased difficulties in healthcare access, as some migrant groups. This study aimed to investigate access and use of health services during the COVID-19 pandemic among migrants in Portugal. A mixed-methods approach was used. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted involving migrant communities residing in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Analyses of a subsample of participants (n = 929) examined factors associated with perceived worsening of access to health services during the pandemic. Semi-structured interviews with 14 migrants were conducted and thematically analyzed to further understand experiences and difficulties in health services' use. Around 44% of surveyed participants reported worsening of access to health services since the pandemic, more frequently women, those with lower income, and those who perceived being at moderate or high risk for COVID-19 infection. Digital change in services and lack of formal and informal support during lockdowns were highlighted by interviewers as main barriers in access to healthcare for migrants. The pandemic renewed concerns about inequalities in healthcare access among migrants. It is key that in following years health systems are able to address the potential accumulated burden of disease.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Transients and Migrants
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
Language:
English
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Ijerph192013201
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS