Self-identified barriers to health services among migrants 50 years of age or older: population-based survey study of Russian speakers in Finland

Abstract

Background The compounded effect of a migratory background and ageing increases the risk of unequal medical treatment opportunities. The aim of this article is to investigate the social determinants of barriers to health services. Methods The study uses population-based survey data of Russian-speaking migrants (50 + years) residing in Finland (n = 1082, 57% of men, mean age 63 years). Multiple correspondence analysis was performed as a dimension reduction procedure on six barriers to health services. Multiple ordinary least-squares linear regression was used for the predicted score of the barriers as an outcome variable. Results Most of the sociodemographic characteristics were not associated with barriers to health services, except gender, as women tended to face more disadvantages. Migration-related factors, such as the need for interpreters for health services and experienced discrimination, were associated with an increased likelihood of reporting barriers to health services. Using the internet as a primary source of health information was associated with more access barriers to health services. Conclusions Migrants 50 years of age or older face multiple barriers to health services. Given that the healthcare needs increase with age, addressing this issue becomes crucial, necessitating improved access to health services for older migrants.