Chuukese migrant women in Guam: Perceptions of barriers to health care

Margaret Hattori-Uchima

doi:10.9741/23736658.1049

Abstract

This descriptive qualitative study examined perceived barriers to health care among Chuukese migrant women in Guam and explored which factors influenced health-seeking behaviors. Study participants recommended interventions which may reduce those perceived barriers. Since the Compact of Free Association with the United States was enacted in 1985, there has been a dramatic rise in the numbers of Chuukese migrating to Guam. This migration is anticipated to continue with more migrants needing health care, education, and social services. Little is known about their perceptions of barriers to health care services or the cultural, social, economic, and other factors that influence their health-seeking behaviors.

Highlights

This descriptive qualitative study examined perceived barriers to health care among Chuukese migrant women in Guam and explored which factors influenced health-seeking behaviors
It was found that the women identified a mistrust of health and social services resulting from communication barriers
Since the implementation of the Compact of Free Association with the United States in 1985, large numbers of migrants from the nearby Micronesian islands have relocated to Guam (Greico et al, 2003)

Summary

Introduction

This descriptive qualitative study examined perceived barriers to health care among Chuukese migrant women in Guam and explored which factors influenced health-seeking behaviors. Since the Compact of Free Association with the United States was enacted in 1985, there has been a dramatic rise in the numbers of Chuukese migrating to Guam This migration is anticipated to continue with more migrants needing health care, education, and social services. The purpose of this study was to examine perceived barriers to health care among Chuukese migrant women in Guam, to examine what factors may influence their health-seeking behaviors, and to identify interventions recommended by the Chuukese migrant women, which may reduce those perceived barriers to health care. Corresponding Author: Margaret Hattori-Uchima, PhD, RN University of Guam Dean, School of Nursing and Health Sciences http://www.uog.edu

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion