Abstract
ObjectivesUnderstanding the difficulties faced by different migrant groups is vital to address disparities and inform targeted health‐care service delivery. Migrant oncology patients experience increased morbidity, mortality and psychological distress, with this tentatively linked to language and communication difficulties. The objective of this exploratory study was to investigate the communication barriers and challenges experienced by Arabic, Greek and Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) speaking oncology patients in Australia.MethodsThis study employed a cross‐sectional design using patient‐reported outcome survey data from migrant and English‐speaking Australian‐born patients with cancer. Patients were recruited through oncology clinics and Australian state cancer registries. Data were collected regarding patient clinical and demographic characteristics and health‐care and communication experiences. Data from the clinics and registries were combined for analysis.ResultsSignificant differences were found between migrant groups in demographic characteristics, communication and health‐care experiences, and information and care preferences. Chinese patients cited problems with understanding medical information, the Australian health‐care system, and communicating with their health‐care team. Conversely, Arabic‐ and Greek‐speaking patients reported higher understanding of the health‐care system, and less communication difficulties.ConclusionsOur study findings suggest that migrant groups differ from each other in their health communication expectations and requirements. Lower education and health literacy of some groups may play a role in poorer health outcomes. Public health interventions and assistance provided to migrants should be tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of that language or cultural group. Future research directions are discussed.
Highlights
In 2015, the number of migrants worldwide reached 244 million,[1] and by 2015, global displacement reached levels higher than post-World War II.[2]
Other factors that may contribute to disparities in health outcomes include inaccurate understanding of their diagnosis,[20] and misunderstandings regarding the causes of cancer,[15,16,17] which have both been shown to be comparatively higher in migrant patients
This study aimed to explore and identify experiences of communication within the health-care system of migrant groups diagnosed with cancer in Australia, by looking at some of the most prevalent language groups in the country
Summary
In 2015, the number of migrants worldwide reached 244 million,[1] and by 2015, global displacement reached levels higher than post-World War II.[2]. Disparities in morbidity and mortality outcomes for migrants with non-communicable diseases such as cancer compared with local populations are widely documented.[3,4,5,6,7,8] Survival in migrant populations is still worse after controlling for socio-demographic factors such as income, poverty level and education;[6,8] anxiety and depression is higher, and health-related quality of life is lower.[6,8,9,10] high levels of distress in migrant populations are not found when the same populations are studied in their home countries, suggesting that certain characteristics of being a migrant could be responsible.[9]. There are indications that such experiential challenges are linked to higher levels of psychological distress in migrant patients with cancer.[13,18,19] Other factors that may contribute to disparities in health outcomes include inaccurate understanding of their diagnosis,[20] and misunderstandings regarding the causes of cancer,[15,16,17] which have both been shown to be comparatively higher in migrant patients
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