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‘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

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  • Ana Gama

    (NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisboa, Portugal
    Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Maria J. Marques

    (NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisboa, Portugal
    Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • João Victor Rocha

    (NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisboa, Portugal
    Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Sofia Azeredo-Lopes

    (Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
    Statistics and Operational Research Department, Sciences Faculty, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Walaa Kinaan

    (NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Ana Sá Machado

    (NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisboa, Portugal
    Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Sónia Dias

    (NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisboa, Portugal
    Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Gama & Maria J. Marques & João Victor Rocha & Sofia Azeredo-Lopes & Walaa Kinaan & Ana Sá Machado & Sónia Dias, 2022. "‘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," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-11, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:20:p:13201-:d:941570
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sabine Ackermann Rau & Sibel Sakarya & Thomas Abel, 2014. "When to see a doctor for common health problems: distribution patterns of functional health literacy across migrant populations in Switzerland," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 59(6), pages 967-974, December.
    2. Ana Gama & João Victor Rocha & Maria J. Marques & Sofia Azeredo-Lopes & Ana Rita Pedro & Sónia Dias, 2022. "How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect Migrant Populations in Lisbon, Portugal? A Study on Perceived Effects on Health and Economic Condition," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-10, February.
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