Background: Users of multi-ethnic services are sometimes faced with barriers when using health services. However, health care providers are sometimes not aware of these barriers, even though they may share a little more responsibility for them. To enlighten service providers, such as potential pitfalls that may exist, will be explored by various factors that trigger these barriers.Objective: This study aims to explore and identify potential barriers to the utilization of health services among multi-ethnic communities in Samarinda city.Method: There were 28 informants from 4 ethnic groups (Javanese, Buginese, Banjar ethnic, and Dayak ethnic) who were selected by purposive sampling according to the criteria set (n-28). Key informants from the community leaders and traditional leaders of each ethnic group (n = 4). Data analysis used content analysis to analyze the phenomena found in the study Results: Potential barriers occur at three different levels: service user level, provider level, and system level. Barriers at the service user level were related to the characteristics of service users: socioeconomic conditions, heritage lifestyle, family support, income of the family head, entry to NHIS member, transportation and travel time. Barriers at the provider level were related to provider characteristics: attitudes, communication dan information style, ethnic matching program. System-level barriers were related to system characteristics: referral system.
Conclusion:Several potential barriers have been found but are more related to the level of service providers and the level of the health systems.