Inequities in immigrants' access to health care services: disentangling potential barriers. Issue 7 (3rd October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Devillanova, Carlo; Frattini, Tommaso
• Is Part Of: International journal of manpower. Volume 37:Issue 7(2016)
• Page Start: 1191
• Page End: 1208
• Publication Date: 2016-10-03
• Subjects: Immigrants -- Italy -- Health care utilization -- Inequities; F22 -- I1; 331.1105
• DOI: 10.1108/IJM-08-2015-0114
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-7720

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to empirically assess whether immigrants suffer from unequal access to health care services, that add to prevailing socioeconomic barriers to care. Design/methodology/approach: Using a uniquely rich Italian health survey, the authors estimate the correlation between immigrant status and the probability of accessing health services, conditional on a rich set of individual and territorial characteristics. Findings: Results show that foreigners are more likely to contact emergency services and less likely to visit specialist doctors and use preventive care. Similar results hold for second-generation immigrants. Originality/value: The authors discuss the sources of observed inequities and suggest tentative policy implications to promote equal access.