A study of Iranian immigrants’ experiences of accessing Canadian health care services: a grounded theory

Abstract

BackgroundImmigration is not a new phenomenon but, rather, has deep roots in human history. Documents from every era detail individuals who left their homelands and struggled to reestablish their lives in other countries. The aim of this study was to explore and understand the experience of Iranian immigrants who accessed Canadian health care services. Research with immigrants is useful for learning about strategies that newcomers develop to access health care services.MethodsThe research question guiding this study was, “What are the processes by which Iranian immigrants learn to access health care services in Canada?” To answer the question, a constructivist grounded theory approach was applied. Initially, unstructured interviews were conducted with 17 participants (11 women and six men) who were adults (at least 18 years old) and had immigrated to Canada within the past 15 years. Eight participants took part in a second interview, and four participants took part in a third interview.ResultsUsing a constructivist grounded theory approach, “tackling the stumbling blocks of access” emerged as the core category. The basic social process (BSP), becoming self-sufficient, was a transitional process and had five stages: becoming a stranger; feeling helpless; navigating/seeking information; employing strategies; and becoming integrated and self-sufficient. We found that “tackling the stumbling blocks of access” was the main struggle throughout this journey. Some of the immigrants were able to overcome these challenges and became proficient in accessing health care services, but others were unable to make the necessary changes and thus stayed in earlier stages/phases of transition, and sometimes returned to their country of origin.ConclusionDuring the course of this journey a substantive grounded theory was developed that revealed the challenges and issues confronted by this particular group of immigrants. This process explains why some Iranian immigrants are able to access Canadian health care effectively while others cannot. Many elements, including language proficiency, cultural differences, education, previous experiences, financial status, age, knowledge of the host country’s health care services, and insider and outsider resources work synergistically in helping immigrants to access health care services effectively and appropriately.

Refugee experiences of general practice in countries of resettlement: a literature review

“…The studies were conducted in the US, [17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Canada, 24 England, [25][26][27] Scotland, 28,29 Ireland, 30 Netherlands, 31,32 Norway, 33 Sweden, 34 Finland, 35 Switzerland, 36 New Zealand, 37,38 and Australia. 39 Thirteen papers focused on refugees, three on asylum seekers, and seven combined both.…”

“…Most studies combined multiple ethnic groups, while four studies focused exclusively on people from Somalia, 17,19,21,38 and one each focused only on people from Bosnia, Ethiopia, Iran, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. 22,24,27,31,33 All selected studies used qualitative methods and collected data through interviews with individuals, families, or focus groups. Many used a grounded theory approach to analysis.…”

“…28 Sometimes prescriptions were seen as a replacement for serious professional attention: 29,31,32 'They gave me just antibiotics and didn't take time.' 29 Referrals to other health services were valued; however, limitations in the types of services referred to and delays in being referred to specialist doctors caused frustration: 22,24,26,28,31 ' [In Bosnia] if the primary care physician is giving you a referral for a specialist, you can go the same day to see the other doctor, the specialist. Then if you need to come back from the specialist to the primary care doctor you can do that ...…”

Immigrant status and having a regular medical doctor among Canadian adults

“…2 Many studies have confirmed the presence of a "healthy immigrant effect": new immigrants arrive in a host country with a health advantage over their native-born counterparts, but experience a health decline over time. [3][4][5][6][7] This decline is evident when it comes to their self-reported general health status, chronic conditions, disabilities and mental health problems. 8 Crosssectional data showed that recent immigrants had better functional health and self-reported health, and lower disability, smoking and drinking rates compared to the Canadian-born population.…”

Development, Immigration, And Social Harms of Iranian Small Towns: A Case Study

“…One reason for immigration is claimed to be seeking better future (Dastjerdi, Olson, & Ogilvie, 2012). Then the mentioned transitions could be daunting, affecting social marginalization, loss of social networks (Lipsicas et al, 2012;Lipson & Meleis, 1983;Bhugra, 2005), health care access issues (Norredam, Mygind, & Krasnik, 2006), and adverse health consequences, including depression and anxiety (Grove & Zwi, 2006).…”