Abstract
Despite long established comparatively poor health outcomes there has been limited research into the healthcare access of Irish migrants in the UK. This study examines the relationship between demography, self-reported health (SRH) and social support and healthcare access and the influence of gender on these associations. Data was collected as part of a community-based action research project with Irish migrants in London (n = 790). Hierarchical logistic regression was used to predict self-reported access to a GP (compared with no reported access). The effect of gender was measured via interactions entered in the second step of the model. Older participants and males were less likely to report GP access. SRH was a significant predictor. Gender moderated the relationship between SRH, social support, employment and GP access. Findings highlight the help-seeking vulnerability of male and older Irish migrants and the potential of social support in promoting healthcare access for males.
Highlights
In most healthcare systems, black and minority ethnic (BME) populations have experienced poor access and barriers to certain services
self-reported health (SRH) was significantly associated with seeking help
Contrary to what we might expect considering the health profile of older Irish migrants [4], increased age was not associated with increased likehood of healthcare access
Summary
Black and minority ethnic (BME) populations have experienced poor access and barriers to certain services. Studies of healthcare access for BME communities have commonly compared access with the general population and we know less about the within group factors that predict formal health care access for migrants. A sizable volume of research shows that Irish people in the UK experience poor health when compared to the general population [2]. Despite this elevated risk, there is limited information on the health service access of this community. In the context of Irish migrants, studies indicate that older male migrants are more vulnerable to social isolation and substances misuse, which may hinder healthcare access [4]. Little research has examined the influence of gender in health care access for this community. We examine the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between predictor variables and healthcare access
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