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Pathak N, Zhang CX, Boukari Y, Burns R, Menezes D, Hugenholtz G, French RS, Gonzalez-Izquierdo A, Mathur R, Denaxas S, Hayward A, Sonnenberg P, Aldridge RW. Sexual and reproductive health and rights of migrant women attending primary care in England: A population-based cohort study of 1.2 million individuals of reproductive age (2009-2018). J Migr Health 2024; 9:100214. [PMID: 38327760 PMCID: PMC10847991 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2024.100214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence on the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of migrants is lacking globally. We describe SRHR healthcare resource use and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) prescriptions for migrant versus non-migrant women attending primary care in England (2009-2018). Methods This population-based observational cohort study, using Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD, included females living in England aged 15 to 49. Migration was defined using a validated codelist. Rates per 100 person years at risk (pyar) and adjusted rate ratios (RRs) were measured in migrants versus non-migrants for consultations related to all-causes, six exemplar SRHR outcomes, and LARC prescriptions. Proportions of migrants and non-migrants ever prescribed LARC were calculated. Findings There were 25,112,116 consultations across 1,246,353 eligible individuals. 98,214 (7.9 %) individuals were migrants. All-cause consultation rates were lower in migrants versus non-migrants (509 vs 583/100pyar;RR 0.9;95 %CI 0.9-0.9), as were consultations rates for emergency contraception (RR 0.7;95 %CI 0.7-0.7) and cervical screening (RR 0.96;95 %CI 0.95-0.97). Higher rates of consultations were found in migrants for abortion (RR 1.2;95 %CI 1.1-1.2) and management of fertility problems (RR 1.39;95 %CI 1.08-1.79). No significant difference was observed for chlamydia testing and domestic violence. Of 1,205,258 individuals eligible for contraception, the proportion of non-migrants ever prescribed LARC (12.2 %;135,047/1,107,894) was almost double that of migrants (6.91 %;6,728/97,364). Higher copper intrauterine devices prescription rates were found in migrants (RR 1.53;95 %CI 1.45-1.61), whilst hormonal LARC rates were lower for migrants: levonorgestrel intrauterine device (RR 0.63;95 %CI 0.60-0.66), subdermal implant (RR 0.72;95 %CI 0.69-0.75), and progesterone-only injection (RR 0.35;95 %CI 0.34-0.36). Interpretation Healthcare resource use differs between migrant and non-migrant women of reproductive age. Opportunities identified for tailored interventions include access to primary care, LARCs, emergency contraception and cervical screening. An inclusive approach to examining health needs is essential to actualise sexual and reproductive health as a human right.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Pathak
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, NW1 2DA, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6JB, UK
- Guy's & St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Claire X. Zhang
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, NW1 2DA, UK
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Yamina Boukari
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, NW1 2DA, UK
| | - Rachel Burns
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, NW1 2DA, UK
| | - Dee Menezes
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, NW1 2DA, UK
| | - Gregory Hugenholtz
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, NW1 2DA, UK
| | - Rebecca S French
- Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Rohini Mathur
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Spiros Denaxas
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, NW1 2DA, UK
- BHF Data Science Center, Health Data Research UK, London, NW1 2DA, UK
| | - Andrew Hayward
- Inclusion Health, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
- Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, University College London, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Pam Sonnenberg
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6JB, UK
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Khirikoekkong N, Asarath SA, Munruchaitrakun M, Blay N, Waithira N, Cheah PY, Nosten F, Lubell Y, Landier J, Althaus T. Fever and health-seeking behaviour among migrants living along the Thai-Myanmar border: a mixed-methods study. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:501. [PMID: 37525093 PMCID: PMC10388507 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08482-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fever is a common reason to seek healthcare in Southeast Asia, and the decline of malaria has complexified how is perceived, and what actions are taken towards it. We investigated the concept of fever and the determinants influencing health-seeking behaviours among migrants on the Thai-Myanmar border, where rapid economic development collides with precarious political and socio-economic conditions. METHODS We implemented a mixed-methods study between August to December 2019. Phase I used a qualitative approach, with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Phase II used a quantitative approach with a close-ended questionnaire based on Phase I findings. A conditional inference tree (CIT) model first identified geographic and socio-demographic determinants, which were then tested using a logistic regression model. RESULTS Fever corresponded to a high diversity of conceptions, symptoms and believed causes. Self-medication was the commonest behaviour at fever onset. If fever persisted, migrants primarily sought care in humanitarian cost-free clinics (45.5%, 92/202), followed by private clinics (43.1%, 87/202), health posts (36.1%, 73/202), public hospitals (33.7%, 68/202) and primary care units (30, 14.9%). The qualitative analysis identified distance and legal status as key barriers for accessing health care. The quantitative analysis further investigated determinants influencing health-seeking behaviour: living near a town where a cost-free clinic operated was inversely associated with seeking care at health posts (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.40, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] [0.19-0.86]), and public hospital attendance (aOR 0.31, 95% CI [0.14-0.67]). Living further away from the nearest town was associated with health posts attendance (aOR 1.05, 95% CI [1.00-1.10] per 1 km). Having legal status was inversely associated with cost-free clinics attendance (aOR 0.27, 95% CI [0.10-0.71]), and positively associated with private clinic and public hospital attendance (aOR 2.56, 95% CI [1.00-6.54] and 5.15, 95% CI [1.80-14.71], respectively). CONCLUSIONS Fever conception and believed causes are context-specific and should be investigated prior to any intervention. Distance to care and legal status were key determinants influencing health-seeking behaviour. Current economic upheavals are accelerating the unregulated flow of undocumented migrants from Myanmar to Thailand, warranting further inclusiveness and investments in the public health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Napat Khirikoekkong
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Supa-At Asarath
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Mayreerat Munruchaitrakun
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Naw Blay
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Naomi Waithira
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phaik Yeong Cheah
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - François Nosten
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Yoel Lubell
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jordi Landier
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, SESSTIM, Aix Marseille Institute of Public Health, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Thomas Althaus
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Pettersen RJ, Debesay J. Substance use and help-seeking barriers: a qualitative study of East African migrants' experiences of access to Norwegian healthcare services. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:107. [PMID: 36726096 PMCID: PMC9891897 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09110-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migration to Norway has increased rapidly in recent decades. Migrants have a lower prevalence of substance use, but may have an elevated risk of developing mental health issues and substance use problems due to various migration and post-migration factors. Few studies have sought to understand substance use problems among migrants in Norway. This study aimed to explore how people of East African background experience help-seeking for substance use problems in the Norwegian healthcare system. METHODS Using an explorative approach, in-depth individual interviews were conducted with six adult participants from Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan who had been in contact with the Norwegian healthcare system. The goal of the interviews was to facilitate in-depth and nuanced descriptions of the participants' lived experience of help-seeking for substance use problems. The data were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. RESULTS The analysis resulted in five themes in which participants described their help-seeking experiences for substance use problems as lack of knowledge and access to information, scepticism towards a 'white system', fear of exclusion from family and ethnic community, racism as a barrier to help-seeking, and positive experiences and ideas for future treatment practices. CONCLUSION This study provides an improved understanding of how migrants with substance use problems experience help-seeking in healthcare. The variety of barriers illustrates inequality in substance use care for East African migrants in Norway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Jervell Pettersen
- grid.412414.60000 0000 9151 4445Faculty of Health, Department of Nursing, Oslo Metropolitan University, St. Olavs Plass, P.O. Box 4, NO-0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jonas Debesay
- grid.412414.60000 0000 9151 4445Faculty of Health, Department of Nursing, Oslo Metropolitan University, St. Olavs Plass, P.O. Box 4, NO-0130 Oslo, Norway
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Kumar BN, Diaz E, Castaneda AE, Ahrne M, NØrredam ML, Puthoopparambil SJ. Migration health research in the Nordic countries: Priorities and implications for public health. Scand J Public Health 2022; 50:1039-1046. [PMID: 36245405 DOI: 10.1177/14034948221125037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The past 50 years have witnessed an increase in immigration to the Nordic countries from and beyond neighbouring countries in Europe. Diversity implies variations and differences in health status and health outcomes both within and across populations. Migrant health research has not been prioritized and health policies and practice, especially long-term national plans, often exclude migrants. In this article, we briefly trace the history, the groups, reasons for migration and the road to migrant health research in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. We discuss the case for data and research including needs, basis for data collection and the methodological challenges. We provide a brief snapshot of migrant health research, identify current gaps and discuss the implications for research. We recommend a regional Nordic strategy to promote intercountry exchange, sharing and learning. Finally, we reflect on the larger picture, implications for policy and practice that could enable societal conditions to reduce avoidable health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Malin Ahrne
- Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
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Mathijsen A, Mathijsen FP. Diasporic medical tourism: a scoping review of quantitative and qualitative evidence. Global Health 2020; 16:27. [PMID: 32228641 PMCID: PMC7106793 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-020-00550-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is a growing recognition of the significance of the diasporic dimension of medical travel. Explanations of medical tourism are increasingly presented in a wider context of transnationalism, diaspora and migration. Yet diaspora and cross-border travellers rarely get through the broader narrative of medical travel. Objective Our aim in this scoping review was to extend the current knowledge on the emerging subject of diasporic travels for medical purposes. Specifically, we reviewed the existing literature on what is known about the determinants and motivational factors of diasporic medical tourism; its geographic scope and its quantitative estimation. Methods Using a scoping review methodology, we conducted the search in seven electronic databases. It resulted in 210 records retrieved. Ultimately, 28 research papers and 6 non-research papers (published between 2002 and 2019) met the following criteria: 1) focus on healthcare and health-related practices, 2) transnational perspective, 3) healthcare consumption in the country of origin (homeland) while being a resident of another country, 4) published in English. Results The findings from our review highlighted the importance of diasporic medical patients who had been researched and analysed on four continents. Even though quantitative evidence has been scarce, the data analysed in the scoping review pointed to the existence of non-negligible level of diasporic medical tourism in Northern America, and in Europe. Various motivational factors were enumerated with their frequency of occurrence: medical culture (12), time availability (“by the way of being home”) (9), communication (6), dissatisfaction with the current system (6), healthcare insurance status (5), quality of healthcare (5), second opinion (3), and value for money (3). Conclusion Diasporic medical tourists constitute an attractive segment of consumers that is still not well understood and targeted. They are part of transnational communities that cultivate the links between the two nations. They simultaneously participate in bi-lateral healthcare systems via return visits which impact the health systems of sending and receiving countries in a substantial way. In the current globalised, connected and migratory context, transnationalism seems to represent an answer to many local healthcare-related barriers. Sending and receiving countries have put in place an array of programmes and policies addressed to the diasporic medical travellers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Mathijsen
- SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Collegium of the World Economy, Aleja Niepodległości 162, 02-554, Warsaw, Poland.
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Heywood AE, Castelli F, Greenaway C. Migration Health: Highlights from Inaugural International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) Conference on Migration Health. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2019; 21:48. [PMID: 31734735 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-019-0705-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW International migration is a global phenomenon that is growing in scope, complexity and impact. The inaugural International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) International Conference on Migration Health provided a forum to discuss scientific evidence on the broad issues relevant to migration health. This review summarises the key health issues, with a focus on infectious diseases, current effective strategies and future considerations presented at this forum and in the recent literature. RECENT FINDINGS Migrants face health disparities for both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Their heightened infectious disease risks, compared to host populations, are related to pre-migration exposures, the circumstances of the migration journey and the receptivity and access to health services in their receiving countries. While the prevalence of infectious diseases identified through screening programmes are generally low, delays in diagnosis and treatment for a range of treatable infectious diseases result in higher morbidity and mortality among migrants. Barriers to care in host countries occur at the patient, provider and health systems levels. Coordinated and inclusive health services, healthcare systems and health policies, responsive to patient diversity reduce these barriers. Structural barriers to healthcare provision impede equitable care to migrants and refugees. Public health and medical professionals have a role in advocating for policy reforms.
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Wickramage K, De Silva M, Peiris S. Patterns of abuse amongst Sri Lankan women returning home after working as domestic maids in the Middle East: An exploratory study of medico-legal referrals. J Forensic Leg Med 2016; 45:1-6. [PMID: 27846452 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Migrant worker abuse is well recognised, but poorly characterised within the scientific literature. This study aimed to explore patterns of abuse amongst Sri Lankan women returning home after working as domestic maids. METHODS Sri Lanka has over 2 million of its citizens employed overseas as international labor migrants. A cross-sectional study was conducted on Sri Lankan female domestic maids returning from the Middle East region who were referred for medico-legal opinion. RESULTS A total of 20 women were included in the study. Average length of their employment overseas was 14 months. Complaints of physical violence directed mainly through their employers were made by 60% of women. Upon physical examination, two-thirds had evidence of injuries, with a third being subjected to repetitive/systematic violence. Eighty percent suffered some form of psychological trauma. Personal identity papers and travel documents had been confiscated by the employer in 85% of cases, with two thirds indicating they were prevented and/or restricted from leaving their place of work/residence. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that female domestic maid abuse manifests through multiple pathways. Violence against such workers span the full spectrum of physical, financial, verbal, emotional abuse and neglect, as defined by the World Health Organization. Findings from this exploratory study cannot be generalized to the large volume of migrant worker outflows. Further research is needed to determine incidence and define patterns in other migrant worker categories such as low-skilled male workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kolitha Wickramage
- Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration (IOM), 17 route des Morillions, CH-1221, Geneva, 19, Switzerland; Rajarata University, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Saliyapura, 50008, Sri Lanka.
| | - Malintha De Silva
- Judicial Medical Office, District General Hospital Negombo, A3 Rd, 11500, Sri Lanka.
| | - Sharika Peiris
- International Organization for Migration (IOM), 62 Ananda Coomaraswamy Rd, Colombo, 003, Sri Lanka.
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