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Globalization and Health
Published in: Globalization and Health 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Review

Use of health services among international migrant children – a systematic review

Authors: Niina Markkula, Baltica Cabieses, Venla Lehti, Eleonora Uphoff, Sofia Astorga, Francisca Stutzin

Published in: Globalization and Health | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Migrant children have specific health needs, and may face difficulties in accessing health care, but not enough is known about their health service use. This study aims to describe patterns of use of health services of international migrant children and differences to respective native populations.

Methods

Electronic databases PubMed and Web of Science, references of identified publications, and websites of relevant international agencies were searched. We included observational studies published between 2006 and 2016 that reported use of formal health services by migrant children (0–18 years), including first and second generation migrants. Data on study characteristics, study theme, main outcome and study quality were extracted.

Results

One hundred seven full texts were included in the review. Of the studies that reported comparable outcomes, half (50%) indicated less use of healthcare by migrants compared with non-migrants; 25% reported no difference, 18% reported greater use, and 7% did not report this outcome. There was variation by theme, so that the proportion of conclusions “less use” was most common in the categories “general access to care”, “primary care” and “oral health”, whereas in the use of emergency rooms or hospitalisations, the most common conclusion was “greater use”.

Conclusions

Migrant children appear to use different types of healthcare services less than native populations, with the exception of emergency and hospital services.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO systematic review registration number: CRD42016039876.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Use of health services among international migrant children – a systematic review
Authors
Niina Markkula
Baltica Cabieses
Venla Lehti
Eleonora Uphoff
Sofia Astorga
Francisca Stutzin
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Globalization and Health / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1744-8603
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-018-0370-9

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