Utilization of health-care services among immigrants recruited through non-profit organizations in southern Italy

Aida Bianco, Elisabetta Larosa, Claudia Pileggi, Carmelo G. A. Nobile and Maria Pavia ()
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Aida Bianco: University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”
Elisabetta Larosa: University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”
Claudia Pileggi: University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”
Carmelo G. A. Nobile: University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”
Maria Pavia: University of Catanzaro “Magna Græcia”

International Journal of Public Health, 2016, vol. 61, issue 6, No 6, 673-682

Abstract: Abstract Objectives The study aims were focused on acquiring information about access to health-care services and to investigate the potential barriers affecting full access to health-care services. Methods The study population consisted of immigrants and refugees aged 18 or more living in Italy for at least 12 months recruited through non-profit organizations. Results 961 immigrants took part in the study, with a response rate of 98.9 %. Of the participants, 85 % had access to a general practitioner (GP) at least once, and 46.6 and 22.4 % mentioned a minimum one emergency visit and hospital stay, respectively. Diagnostic procedures and/or drug prescriptions (49.7 %), chronic disease control (15.8 %), and preventive interventions (13 %) were the most reported reasons for GP access. Conclusions This study yielded current and broader insight into the model of health-care utilization among immigrants. The findings adds to our understanding of the third-sector organizations’ role in facilitating immigrants’ access to services offered by the Italian National Health Service, contributing to the extensive discussion on how to best manage migrant health care in Italy.

Keywords: Access; Barriers; Health-care services utilization; Immigrant; Italy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-016-0820-1

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