Assimilation and Health Service Utilization of Korean Immigrant Women

Abstract

In this case study, I present descriptive findings with regard to immigrant incorporation and health service utilization. Using focus groups and survey of Korean immigrant women in Wisconsin, I examine whether the ways in which they adapt to the U.S. society is relevant to their health services utilization and the alternatives they seek when available health services are less than satisfactory. The findings suggest that adherence to Korean identity appears to be associated with health service utilization. This is evident in the immigrants' evaluation of the U.S. health services as compared to those of Korea, and the consideration given by these immigrants to seeking health services in Korea instead of the United States. Such concerns on the part of these immigrants have important implications for health researchers, as they highlight the significance of immigrants' transnational experiences and their sense of personal agency in the use of health care.

‘I think that Polish doctors are better’: Newly arrived migrant children and their parents׳ experiences and views of health services in Scotland

“…Migrants often talk about the difficulties they encounter in accessing networks of locals and as a result, a tendency to form ties mostly with people from their own nationality group (Li, 2013;McGhee et al, 2013). Other research highlights migrants" trust in ethnic ties, through shared language, cultural values and expectations of services and the creation of informal networks of support among diaspora groups (Son, 2013;Ryan, 2011). Anthias (2007) suggests that networks and ties need to be "mobilisable for the pursuit of advantage, or the mitigation of disadvantage " (2008: 788) in order to translate into benefits for migrants.…”

“…This can lead, for example, to self-exclusion and distrust of health services through perpetuated myths or beliefs about alternative or "better" health practices than those recommended by statutory services (Son, 2013).…”

“…While some authors claim that unchanged dietary habits, health believes and practices in migrants may be indicative of an emotional attachment to their culture (Son, 2013), others have emphasised the socioeconomic factors which make positive health practices expensive and only affordable to the middle classes (Portes and Rumbault, 2001;Devine et al, 2004).…”

Social Representations of Immigrant Patients: Physicians’ Discourse

“…Participants also argued against health provision to immigrant patients, by dehumanizing them and constructing them as a mentally unstable group. This theme is used to strengthen the physicians’ arguments toward a rationalization of a system of exclusion for patients who belong to different social groups that have not assimilated to the host culture, a practice also supported in previous research (Kerbage et al, 2020; Son, 2013) The vast majority of participants in this research expressed prejudiced opinions regarding immigrant patients and constructed health as a nationalized product that needs to be earned. An alternative view was provided by some physicians working in NGOs, who acknowledged the systemic injustices of the health system to immigrant patients and offered an alternative representation of health.…”

Newcomer challenges with accessing healthcare services in Saskatchewan, Canada

“…Access to healthcare is a central component in the promotion of health and wellbeing among all Canadians, including newcomers. Both immigrants and refugees may experience a variety of barriers to accessing healthcare services including low health literacy (Renfrew et al, 2013), lack of familiarity with the healthcare system (Neufeld et al, 2002;Wu et al, 2005;Son, 2013), cultural competency of healthcare professionals (Hansson et al, 2009), cost (Access Alliance, 2011), traditional beliefs (Renfrew et al, 2013, Council of Agencies Serving South Asians, 2008, language preference (Renfrew et al, 2013, DuBard & Gizlice, 2008, limited appointment times (Renfrew et al, 2013), and lack of childcare (O'Mahony & Donnelly, 2007;Sethi, 2013) or transportation (Kilbride, 2010). Refugees may also experience a sense of discrimination and stigmatization that deters them from accessing healthcare (Szajna & Ward, 2015).…”