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Perceived Barriers of Accessing Healthcare among Migrant Workers in Thailand during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Sonvanee Uansri

    (International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand)

  • Watinee Kunpeuk

    (International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand)

  • Sataporn Julchoo

    (International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand)

  • Pigunkaew Sinam

    (International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand)

  • Mathudara Phaiyarom

    (International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand)

  • Rapeepong Suphanchaimat

    (International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
    Division of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand)

Abstract

The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has threatened health and well-being in all populations. This impact is also deepening structural inequalities for migrant workers in Thailand. Due to their vulnerability and limited opportunity to access health services, they have greater risks in many health aspects compared to other populations. This qualitative study sought to examine the key health concerns and barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare access among migrant workers in Thailand through the lens of policymakers, healthcare professionals, experts on migrant health, and migrant workers. We conducted 17 semi-structured in-depth interviews of stakeholders from health and non-health sectors in Thailand from July to October 2021. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using both deductive and inductive thematic approaches. Thematic coding was applied. The results showed that financial constraints were a major barrier for healthcare access among migrant workers. These included affordability of healthcare and difficulty accessing funds (migrant health insurance). Structural barriers included some health facilities opening for emergency cases only. Insufficient healthcare resources were profound during the peak of positive cases. Cognitive barriers included negative attitudes and diverse understanding of healthcare rights. Language and communication barriers, and a lack of information also played an important role. Conclusion, our study highlights healthcare access barriers to migrant workers in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations for future resolution of these barriers were also proposed.

Suggested Citation

  • Sonvanee Uansri & Watinee Kunpeuk & Sataporn Julchoo & Pigunkaew Sinam & Mathudara Phaiyarom & Rapeepong Suphanchaimat, 2023. "Perceived Barriers of Accessing Healthcare among Migrant Workers in Thailand during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(10), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:10:p:5781-:d:1143707
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sonvanee Uansri & Titiporn Tuangratananon & Mathudara Phaiyarom & Nattadhanai Rajatanavin & Rapeepong Suphanchaimat & Warisara Jaruwanno, 2021. "Predicted Impact of the Lockdown Measure in Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Greater Bangkok, Thailand, 2021," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Watinee Kunpeuk & Pard Teekasap & Hathairat Kosiyaporn & Sataporn Julchoo & Mathudara Phaiyarom & Pigunkaew Sinam & Nareerut Pudpong & Rapeepong Suphanchaimat, 2020. "Understanding the Problem of Access to Public Health Insurance Schemes among Cross-Border Migrants in Thailand through Systems Thinking," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-19, July.
    3. Wijitbusaba Marome & Rajib Shaw, 2021. "COVID-19 Response in Thailand and Its Implications on Future Preparedness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-10, January.
    4. Rapeepong Suphanchaimat & Nareerut Pudpong & Phusit Prakongsai & Weerasak Putthasri & Johanna Hanefeld & Anne Mills, 2019. "The Devil Is in the Detail—Understanding Divergence between Intention and Implementation of Health Policy for Undocumented Migrants in Thailand," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-19, March.
    5. Watinee Kunpeuk & Sataporn Julchoo & Mathudara Phaiyarom & Pigunkaew Sinam & Nareerut Pudpong & Tharani Loganathan & Huso Yi & Rapeepong Suphanchaimat, 2022. "Access to Healthcare and Social Protection among Migrant Workers in Thailand before and during COVID-19 Era: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-16, March.
    6. Ratchadaporn Papwijitsil & Hathairat Kosiyaporn & Pigunkaew Sinam & Mathudara Phaiyarom & Sataporn Julchoo & Rapeepong Suphanchaimat, 2021. "Factors Related to Health Risk Communication Outcomes among Migrant Workers in Thailand during COVID-19: A Case Study of Three Provinces," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-15, October.
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