Perceived challenges and unmet primary care access needs among Bangladeshi immigrant women in Canada
Abstract
Understanding barriers in primary health care access faced by Canadian immigrants, especially among
women, is important for developing mitigation strategies. The aim of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of perceived challenges and unmet primary health care access needs of Bangladeshi immigrant women in Calgary, AB. 7 focus groups conducted in Bangla with 42 women reported that significant barriers included long wait times in the emergency room, frustration from slow treatment process, economic losses resulting from absence at work, communication gap between physicians and patients, and transportation problems to go to the health care centers. No access to medical records for walk-in doctors, lack of urgent care, and lack of knowledge about Canadian health care systems are a few of other barriers emerged from the focus group discussions. The community perception about lack of primary health care resources is quite prevalent and is considered as one of the most important barriers by the grassroots community members.
Notes
Future research / gaps identified:
- Examine how intersectionality affects primary health care access for immigrants
- Continue community-based participatory research such as this
Key populations: Bangladeshi immigrant women in Calgary
Community organizations: n/a
Integration timeline: not defined
Key findings:
Key challenges for accessing primary care:
- Long wait times
- Communication gaps
- Transportation barriers
- Expensive health-related costs
- Gaps in walk-in clinic services
Key recommendations:
- Improve interpreter access and cultural competency in primary health care.
- Provide social supports to mitigate negative impacts of certain social determinants of health.
- Improve individual and community health literacy through specifically targeted interventions.
Location: Calgary, AB
Open access: No
