Patient-reported primary health care experiences in Canada: The challenges faced by Nepalese immigrant men
Abstract
Despite the Canadian universal healthcare system, new immigrants face a number of challenges in accessing primary healthcare (PHC) services. As immigration to Canada consistently increases, understanding various types of barriers to PHC and how they differ across different sub-groups is critical. We conducted a qualitative study among Nepalese immigrant men to learn from their experience with PHC access to inform
healthcare providers, stakeholders, and policymakers to devise feasible approaches to enhancing access to care. We undertook a qualitative research approach employing focus groups among a sample of first-generation Nepalese immigrant men who had prior experience with accessing PHC in Canada. We conducted six focus groups in total with 34 participants in their preferred language, Nepalese, or English. Participants reported experiencing multiple barriers at two stages: before accessing PHC services and after
accessing PHC services. To our knowledge, this is the first study in Canada which explored barriers faced by Nepalese immigrant men in accessing PHC. This study identifies barriers to accessing PHC in Canada from a group of immigrant men’s perspective. It is important to account for these while making any reforms and adding new care services to the existing healthcare system so that they are equitable for these groups of individuals as well.
Notes
Open access: Yes
Integration timeline: first-generation
Key findings:
1) Barriers before accessing PHC were: 1) long wait time for an appointment with physicians, 2) limited knowledge of own health- and services-related issues, 3) limited service availability hours, 4) cultural differences in health practices, and 5) transportation and work-related challenges.
2) Barriers after accessing PHC were: 1) long wait time in the clinic to meet with the physicians at the time of appointment, 2) communication challenges and misunderstandings, 3) high healthcare costs associated with dental and vision care and prescribed medicines, and 4) inappropriate behaviours and practices of doctors and service providers.
Key recommendations:
1) Build the competency of healthcare providers and the PHC system to deliver culturally competent and linguistically appropriate services.
2) Include dental and vision care in PHC and provide these services to immigrants for 3 to 5 years until they have adapted and improved their economic and other social status in Canada.
Future research / gaps identified:
Explore experiences of different subgroups of Nepalese immigrant men (e.g. outside of Calgary).
Location: Calgary, AB
Key populations: first-generation Nepalese immigrant men who live in Calgary
Community organizations: n/a