an exploration of the enablers and barriers in access to the dutch healthcare system among ghanaians in amsterdam勘探的推动者和访问荷兰医疗体系的障碍以及加纳人在阿姆斯特丹.pdfVIP

Boateng et al. BMC Health Services Research 2012, 12:75 /1472-6963/12/75 RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access An exploration of the enablers and barriers in access to the Dutch healthcare system among Ghanaians in Amsterdam 1* 1 2 1 1 Linda Boateng , Mary Nicolaou , Henriëtte Dijkshoorn , Karien Stronks and Charles Agyemang Abstract Background: Sub-Saharan African populations are growing in many European countries. Data on the health of these populations are rare. Additionally, many sub-Saharan African migrants are confronted with issues of low socio-economic status, acculturation and language difficulties, which may hamper their access to health care. Despite the identification of some of those barriers, little is known about the enabling factors. Knowledge about the enablers and barriers in access to healthcare experienced is important in addressing their health needs and promoting healthcare access. This study aimed to investigate the enabling factors as well as barriers in access to the Dutch healthcare system among the largest sub-Saharan African migrant group (Ghanaians) living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Methods: Six focus groups were conducted from November 2009 to February 2010. A semi-structured interview guideline was used. Discussions were conducted in English or Twi (Ghanaian dialect), recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis was based on the Andersen model of healthcare utilisation using MAXQDA software. Results: Knowledge and perceived quality of the health system, awareness of diseases, family and community support, community initiatives and availability of social support were the main enablers to the healthcare system. Difficulties with the Dutch language and mistrust in healt