Digital Information Technology Use and Transnational Healthcare: A Population-Based Study on Older Russian-Speaking Migrants in Finland

Young-Kyu Shin,Teemu Kemppainen,Veera Koskinen,Sirpa Wrede,Anne Kouvonen,Antero Olakivi,Laura Kemppainen

doi:10.1007/s10903-021-01301-9

Abstract

This study examines the association between digital information technology (DIT) use and the utilization of transnational healthcare (THC) in older migrants, and investigates how this relationship depends on social integration or perceived discrimination in health services in the destination country. The data from a population-based study conducted in Finland in 2019, which targeted Russian-speaking residents aged 50 and above (n = 1082) nationwide, are analyzed. The analysis demonstrates that those who had a high level of DIT use were significantly more likely to use THC than those who had a low level of use. However, the findings do not show that the relationship depends on social integration or perceived discrimination. Older migrants can actively use transnational networks to address their health and well-being issues by using DIT and seeking healthcare abroad. Their health service use can be illustrated as an active process involving various geographical domains.

Highlights

Aging in a foreign land or ‘out of place’ is becoming more common due to population aging and increasing global migration [1]
We study transnational healthcare (THC) from the perspective of older migrants drawing on a survey of Russian-speaking migrants aged 50 and above who were born in the Former Soviet Union and who currently live in Finland
We address the roles of perceived discrimination, such as unequal treatment and disrespect in health services and social integration in the destination country regarding the use of THC, which remain understudied topics

Summary

Introduction

Aging in a foreign land or ‘out of place’ is becoming more common due to population aging and increasing global migration [1]. The number of older foreign-born residents, as well as the ‘future older migrants’ (age group 45–54) is growing throughout Europe [2]. This development has fueled concerns related to the health of older migrants, who may face several barriers of access to formal and professional healthcare in their country of residence. Some migrants may find THC as their only option due to barriers of access to healthcare, such as inadequate language skills, insufficient knowledge of the healthcare system, or fear of discrimination [8, 10, 12]

Methods

Results

Conclusion