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Access to health care among people with foreign background and the general population in Finland


 
 
 Prior studies suggest that people with foreign background (PFB) often face problems in access to health care, although access to care may vary between the different PFB groups. This study explores 1) the potential differences in perceived access to care between different PFB groups and the general population, and 2) if marital status, education, employment, self-perceived health, long-term illness, length of stay, age moved to Finland or language skills are associated with access to care among PFB.
 
 
 
 The data were gathered from the cross-sectional survey on well-being among the PFB (FinMONIK), conducted in Finland 2018. Its random sample consisted of 12 877 persons, aged 18-64 years and the response rate was 53%. Three items were used to assess perceived access to care: I was able to contact the place of care smoothly, I was able to make an appointment without undue delay and I was examined without undue delay (e.g. laboratory tests, X-ray, ultrasound). Logistic regression was used to test which factors were associated with accesses to care, adjusted for age, sex and region.
 
 
 
 After controlling for age, sex and region, the results showed significant differences in access to care among different migrant groups and the general population (p < 0.001). Of those of Estonian background 37% felt that access to care was smooth while only 17% of those coming from Middle-East, and 26% of the general population. Employed persons, persons who had good self-perceived health, and people with no long-term illness, and those who had lived in Finland less than five years, had better access to health care. Marital status, education, language skills and age moved to Finland, were not associated with access to care.
 
 
 
 Large inequities in access to care were identified among people with foreign background. Access to services seems to be better for employed persons and those who have good self-perceived health.
 
 
 
 Special attention should be given to improve access to care among non-employed migrants. Migrants should not be considered as a uniform group when planning services.
