Migrant workers' perceptions, expectations and experiences of occupational health services in Finland
Apondi, Leonard (2015)
Apondi, Leonard
2015
Master's Degree Programme in Health Sciences
Terveystieteiden yksikkö - School of Health Sciences
This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2015-06-10
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:uta-201507082056
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:uta-201507082056
Tiivistelmä
The northward rising trend in the number of international migrants has resulted to unprecedented implications on healthcare sector. Events accompanying migration have impact on both the migrant population and the hosting community. To understand the challenges encountered by the migrant workers in the host country, it is imperative to explore their encounters with the services by listening to the lived experiences.
The aim of this study was to bring out immigrant workers’ expectations and experiences of occupational health services in Finland. The study explored the expectations and lived experiences of the migrant workers.
A qualitative research method was used for this study. The study population consisted of 12 participants who were sampled purposively. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews. The data was analyzed by thematic content analysis method.
The results of the study identified barriers to occupational health services to include language and communication, difficulties arising from navigation through the Finnish healthcare system and issues related to cultural differences. The study also identified workplace safety as being associated to migration and health.
In conclusion, the study recognized the process of healthcare access by the migrant worker as being multidimensional. Therefore, the study recommends for enhanced collaborative approach by employers, employees and other relevant stakeholders. The efforts invested towards strengthening health providers’ relationship with care seekers would go a long way in improving occupational health service access.
The aim of this study was to bring out immigrant workers’ expectations and experiences of occupational health services in Finland. The study explored the expectations and lived experiences of the migrant workers.
A qualitative research method was used for this study. The study population consisted of 12 participants who were sampled purposively. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews. The data was analyzed by thematic content analysis method.
The results of the study identified barriers to occupational health services to include language and communication, difficulties arising from navigation through the Finnish healthcare system and issues related to cultural differences. The study also identified workplace safety as being associated to migration and health.
In conclusion, the study recognized the process of healthcare access by the migrant worker as being multidimensional. Therefore, the study recommends for enhanced collaborative approach by employers, employees and other relevant stakeholders. The efforts invested towards strengthening health providers’ relationship with care seekers would go a long way in improving occupational health service access.