HEALTHCARE SERVICES FOR IMMIGRANTS IN JYVÄSKYLÄ : Experiences of African Immigrants on Access and Utilization of Healthcare Services in Jyväskylä
Matheka, Brigide (2010)
Matheka, Brigide
Jyväskylän ammattikorkeakoulu
2010
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2010120317075
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2010120317075
Tiivistelmä
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to find out the experiences of African immigrants on their access and utilization of healthcare services in the city of Jyväskylä, Finland.
The theoretical background was based on immigrants’ health and Madeleine Leiniger’s Diversity and Universality Theory and The Sunrise Model which was used to explore the culture and care aspects on immigrants’ health and how these relate to each other in caring for people with different cultural backgrounds.
The study adopted a qualitative method so as to better understand the immigrants’ experiences as well as capture their thoughts, views and opinions. The study was done in cooperation with the African Association of Central Finland and questionnaires were sent via email to participants drawn from the members of the association. The study was voluntary and consent of participation was assumed through filling in the questionnaire.
Results of the study showed that the immigrants lacked sufficient knowledge on the healthcare services and communication was the main challenge in accessing and using the services. Long waiting periods to accessing care were also discovered to be the second main hindrance with immigrants expressing displeasure and frustration on having to wait for long periods to acquire treatment. Additionally, some immigrants expressed reluctance to access and use the services due to lack of sufficient knowledge on the cost of the healthcare services.
Results of the study can be used in transcultural nursing to help create health promotion activities, nursing processes and care pathways that are culture sensitive for clients in multicultural settings. This creates an opportunity for the healthcare providers to better understand healthcare needs of the immigrants thus produce relevant resources that will enable them to access and use the available resources so as to achieve optimal health.
The purpose of this study was to find out the experiences of African immigrants on their access and utilization of healthcare services in the city of Jyväskylä, Finland.
The theoretical background was based on immigrants’ health and Madeleine Leiniger’s Diversity and Universality Theory and The Sunrise Model which was used to explore the culture and care aspects on immigrants’ health and how these relate to each other in caring for people with different cultural backgrounds.
The study adopted a qualitative method so as to better understand the immigrants’ experiences as well as capture their thoughts, views and opinions. The study was done in cooperation with the African Association of Central Finland and questionnaires were sent via email to participants drawn from the members of the association. The study was voluntary and consent of participation was assumed through filling in the questionnaire.
Results of the study showed that the immigrants lacked sufficient knowledge on the healthcare services and communication was the main challenge in accessing and using the services. Long waiting periods to accessing care were also discovered to be the second main hindrance with immigrants expressing displeasure and frustration on having to wait for long periods to acquire treatment. Additionally, some immigrants expressed reluctance to access and use the services due to lack of sufficient knowledge on the cost of the healthcare services.
Results of the study can be used in transcultural nursing to help create health promotion activities, nursing processes and care pathways that are culture sensitive for clients in multicultural settings. This creates an opportunity for the healthcare providers to better understand healthcare needs of the immigrants thus produce relevant resources that will enable them to access and use the available resources so as to achieve optimal health.