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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health

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01-02-2013 | Original Paper

Practitioner and Client Explanations for Disparities in Health Care Use Between Migrant and Non-migrant Groups in Sweden: A Qualitative Study

Authors: Sharareh Akhavan, Saffron Karlsen

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

To investigate variations in explanations given for disparities in health care use between migrant and non-migrant groups, by clients and care providers in Sweden. Qualitative evidence collected during in-depth interviews with five ‘migrant’ health service clients and five physicians. The interview data generated three categories which were perceived by respondents to produce ethnic differences in health service use: “Communication issues”, “Cultural differences in approaches to medical consultations” and “Effects of perceptions of inequalities in care quality and discrimination”. Explanations for disparities in health care use in Sweden can be categorized into those reflecting social/structural conditions and the presence/absence of power and those using cultural/behavioural explanations. The negative perceptions of ‘migrant’ clients held by some Swedish physicians place the onus for addressing their poor health with the clients themselves and risks perpetuating their health disadvantage. The power disparity between doctors and ‘migrant’ patients encourages a sense of powerlessness and mistreatment among patients.

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Title: Practitioner and Client Explanations for Disparities in Health Care Use Between Migrant and Non-migrant Groups in Sweden: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sharareh Akhavan
Saffron Karlsen
Publication date: 01-02-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health / Issue 1/2013
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-012-9581-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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Practitioner and Client Explanations for Disparities in Health Care Use Between Migrant and Non-migrant Groups in Sweden: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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