Premium
Access and utilisation of health services by domestic helpers in Cyprus
Author(s) -
Kantaris Marios,
Theodorou Mamas,
Galanis Petros,
Kaitelidou Daphne
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the international journal of health planning and management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1099-1751
pISSN - 0749-6753
DOI - 10.1002/hpm.2272
Subject(s) - snowball sampling , test (biology) , health services , environmental health , logistic regression , medicine , business , psychology , nursing , population , pathology , biology , paleontology
SUMMARY Background Immigrants have always been a very vulnerable group with severe inequalities in the access and utilisation of health services. The aim of this study was to investigate the conditions of access and utilization of health services from domestic helpers in Cyprus. Methods A cross‐sectional study with 625 domestic helpers was carried out during October 2010–April 2011. The sampling method was snowball sampling. Statistical analysis included x 2 test, x 2 trend test, Mann‐Whitney test, t‐test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results The main reasons of health service utilization were blood tests, short‐term illnesses and injuries/poisonings. Eighteen percent of domestic helpers reported a need for health services, which was not met. Ten percent responded that there was a need for pharmaceuticals that remained unmet. Sixty‐two percent reported that their first action in case of a health problem is seeking advice and assistance from their employer. After adjustment, only increased length of stay in Cyprus was associated with increased use of health services (p < 0.001). Conclusion The barriers of language and communication, ignorance of the system and the different culture are largely evident in Cyprus. The role of the employers is very important with regard to the access and use of health services. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.