Immigrants In Finland Research Articles

Immigrants and nurses’ perspectives on the barriers in using health promotion services in Finland

Abstract Background The incidence of chronic diseases and health disparities is high among immigrants. Lack of access to health promotion services targeting the needs of the immigrant population was reported. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of immigrants and nurses on the barriers to using health promotion services in Finland. Methods A qualitative study with 12 focus group interviews was conducted in various cities across Finland. A total of 69 participants, including 46 adult immigrants and 23 registered nurses, were selected through purposive sampling. A semi-structured interview was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis. Results The analysis generated four themes: insufficient individual factors (i.e., knowledge, skills), restraining cultural norms (i.e., unhealthy cultural habits, gender disparities), inadequate health promotion services (i.e., lack of resources, structural limitations), and negative environmental impacts on health behavior (i.e., sweet foods and beverages, cold weather). Conclusions The findings suggest reinforcing health promotion services to prevent chronic diseases among the immigrant community. Providing health education resources that are culturally tailored helps improve immigrants’ knowledge to make healthier decisions in their own lives after migration. Moreover, it is recommended to introduce the health care system of the host country and healthy habits during the integration process, along with language training. Key messages • Improving equity in using health promotion services for immigrants requires reforms. • More strategies are needed to prevent chronic diseases among immigrants in Finland.

Finnish Immigrants' Affective Attitude Towards the IMPMS for Loneliness Detection: A Descriptive Qualitative Study.

Loneliness is a global health concern that contributes to morbidity in immigrant populations. However, traditional treatments for loneliness focus on symptom management rather than prevention. Technology-related solutions for preventing and assessing loneliness among immigrants are crucial. This study explored Finnish immigrants' affective attitude towards the IoT-based Multimodal Personalized mHealth System (IMPMS), a system for building predictive models for loneliness detection. In this descriptive qualitative study embedded within the DOMINO feasibility study, immigrants in Finland shared their experiences and perspectives of the IMPMS. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using an interview guide based on the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Finnish immigrants considered the IMPMS acceptable, as evidenced by their positive experiences with the system. Areas for improvement highlighted in the results could be utilized to further refine and enhance the acceptability of the IMPMS for future implementation.

Understanding Finnish-immigrant relations: Meta prejudice, perceived threat, and prejudice towards immigrants.

According to Gordijn (2002), prejudice does not only escalate because of how the ingroup feels towards the outgroup but also because of the perception the ingroup has about how the outgroup feels towards the ingroup, that is meta-prejudice. In a sample of 604 participants, this study explores the extent to which meta-prejudice predicts perceived threat and prejudice towards immigrants in Finland. In line with previous studies, results showed that meta-prejudice significantly predicted the perception of immigrants as a threat and feelings of prejudice towards immigrants. In addition, perceived threat significantly mediated the relationship between meta-prejudice and prejudice towards immigrants. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed as well.

Navigating health information chaos: Perspectives from Persian-speaking immigrants in Finland

The purpose of this study is to explore health information environment and behaviours of Persian-speaking immigrants in Finland during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilising information chaos framework. Between January to March 2022, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 18 participants, using an adapted framework of information chaos and previous research as a guide for the interview questions. The study found that participants relied on interpersonal connections, news outlets, and social media to stay informed on current news and health-related information, with messaging apps being particularly popular due to their convenience and ability to connect with friends and family in their home countries. While most participants were satisfied with the amount of information they received, some encountered inaccurate pandemic information. The study also identified significant obstacles related to information scatter and conflict. Participants employed various methods, including verifying with official sources and interpersonal networks, to assess the reliability of their information. Credible health information led to changes in behaviour and lifestyle. The study's findings offer practical implications for health authorities and policymakers to address the health information needs of Persian-speaking immigrants during public health crises. The use of an information-chaos framework could be beneficial in identifying challenges related to channelling accurate and reliable health information among minorities through different information sources. Such initiatives can bridge the gap between the health information needs of immigrants and the available health information, ultimately reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes. This study represents one of the pioneering works exploring the information environment during a pandemic and the strategies adopted by the Persian-speaking minority to address the dissemination of false information during a health crisis. These findings shed light on the complex interplay of individual and health information environments that influence adhering to safety protocols and adopting healthy behaviours in this population.

Intergroup Contact, Perceived Attitudes, and Immigrants’ Attitudes Towards Locals: The Case of Immigrants Living in Finland

Research on immigrant-host attitudes in Finland has flourished significantly over the past two decades. However, most of this research has focused on Finnish attitudes towards immigrants. Studies that examine immigrants’ perception of the type of attitudes Finns have towards immigrants and immigrants’ own attitude toward Finns are hard to come by. This study examines the relationship between intergroup contact and the perception immigrants have about the type of attitudes Finns have towards immigrants. In addition, it further explores the extent to which the perception immigrants have of Finnish attitudes towards immigrants predicts immigrants’ attitudes towards Finns. In a sample of 104 immigrants and through the use of surveys, this study finds that positive contact experiences with Finns are positively related to favorable perceptions of Finnish attitudes towards immigrants, while negative contact experiences are negatively related to favorable perceptions of Finnish attitudes towards immigrants in Finland. In addition, the perception immigrants have of Finnish attitudes towards immigrants significantly predicted immigrants’ attitudes towards Finns. Implications and recommendations for future research are also discussed.

Educators’ perspectives related to preparatory education and integration training for immigrants in Finland

This study explored educators' perceptions of preparatory education and integration training for immigrants in Finland. It included twelve semi-structured interviews of teachers working with adult or child immigrants. A thematic analysis identified: 1. Variances in students' knowledge, skill, and experience complicate integration; 2. Flexibility, the ability to alter classwork to suit students' needs, and the lack of preparatory support or relevant materials in diverse classrooms are problematic; 3. Adult immigrants’ perception as workers, not students, results in a disconnect between expectations. A holistic/ecological approach to addressing the challenges is required to support integration and inclusion better.

An investigation into the Intercultural Competence, Self-awareness, and Well-being among Arabic-Speaking Immigrants in Finland

The aim of this study is twofold. First, explore the relationship between intercultural competence, and self-awareness and psychological well-being among the Arabic-speaking immigrant population in Finland; and second, compare the results of this study with a previous one conducted with Syrian refugees in Germany, with exactly the same methodology The intercultural competence of Arabic-speaking immigrants in Finland were evaluated to uncover the patterns and behaviours they exhibit in a foreign culture. In total, 358 respondents completed the questionnaire, the gender split was 36.6% female (131) and 63.4% male (227). The average age of the respondents was 34 years (Mage = 34.7, SD = 11.6). To assess intercultural competence, the APTOC, a 15-item scale with three main subscales (Openness to Other Cultures, Global Mindset, and Narrow Mindset), was used. The Self-reflection and Insight Scale was used to assess private self-awareness. The Brief Symptom Inventory's three subscales of depression, anxiety, and hostility were used to assess well-being. While Openness to Other Cultures and Global Mindset were found to be positively related to Self-reflection, Narrow Mindset was found to be negatively related to Self-reflection and positively related to Insight, Depression, Anxiety, and Hostility. Additionally, the findings reveal significant differences between this study's results and those of a previous study conducted in Germany, particularly concerning the length of stay in the host country and the effect of Openness to Other Cultures and Anxiety. These differences may inform the creation of programs and interventions aimed at improving intercultural competence and well-being among this population.

Long Farewell: Bureaucracy of Transnational Death in (Post)-Mortal Practices of Russian-Speaking Immigrants in Finland

The article analyses the confusions around dealing with death-related bureaucracies that Russian-speaking immigrants living in Finland’s border areas have to carry out. Death of their loved ones puts migrants in contact with officials of different levels in their Finnish localities of dwelling and Russian localities of origin. The fulfilment of all bureaucratic requirements feels unfamiliar and laborious and turns to a “long farewell” in the experiences of immigrants. The study makes use of different ethnographic materials by the authors and presents them in a form of “typical story” that is compiled from diverse, but yet alike experiences of Russian-speaking immigrants. Main confusions derive from the digitalization of bureaucratic services in Finland and the need to present paper certificates in Russia, as well as the dominant role of Lutheran church in Finnish burial administration. These encounters and experiences add to our understanding of Russian-speaking migrants’ transnationalism, which seems to be highly dependent on both Finnish and Russian welfare services and authorities, as well on the deteriorating conflict between Russia and “the West”.

Perceived challenges living and integrating into Finnish society: A study among immigrants in Finland

The number of immigrants living in Finland has significantly increased since the 1990s. It can be challenging to live and integrate into a new society. This study explores the challenges immigrants face living and integrating into Finnish society. Drawing on data collected from 103 immigrants living in Finland, this study shows that the challenges immigrants face integrating into Finnish society can be classified into four main categories: (1) language barrier, (2) discrimination in employment opportunities, (3) racism and inequality, and (4) fewer opportunities of integration. Implications and recommendations are briefly considered.

A STUDY OF THE ROLE OF RELIGION IN THE IMMIGRATION PROCESS IN A LIGHT OF SOCIAL INTEGRATION THEORIES AMONG EAST AFRICAN IMMIGRANTS IN FINLAND

This study utilizes empirical data to focus on the role of religion in the migration process in light of two theories developed thus so far in the field of immigrant integration. This is achieved based on my own data collected in form of interviews in relation to east African immigrants living in Finland. I investigate whether the currently existing conceptual toolbox is sufficient enough to base an analysis of immigrant integration and how religion influences the process of immigration. Effects of religion are analysed based on individual east African and communal expressions of religious faith. I begin by exploring the concepts of migration and immigrant integration. I then proceed to evaluate the social exchange theory and the social bond theory while focusing on the experiences of east African immigrants in Finland that are captured via interviewing. I argue that despite the theoretical framework for analysing migration phenomena there is still a need for a deeper analysis of the key effects of religion on immigration processes. Additionally, east African immigrants in Finland often face difficulties in religious assimilation in the host society due to mainly language barriers and differences in religious practices. There is an equal need for more elaborate research on religious concepts since most of the currently existing theories are an amalgam of social factors appertaining to immigration processes. A separate focus on religion becomes a necessity since religion has become a juggernaut in migration phenomena.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0854/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL JUSTICE TOWARDS IMMIGRANTS : FINNISH PERSPECTIVE

Historical analysis confirms that immigrants are poorly-rated in most societies. Their position in Finland does not seem to be any different compared to other countries, although Finland is ranked globally as the happiest country. Finnish statutory law ensures the legal rights of citizens regardless of their origin; however, immigrants must face a number of challenges caused by a lack of societal recognition from native Finns. The study explains ‘social justice’ from a theoretical point of view, applying the concept of experiences provided by Renault. Additionally, the study determines the key obstacles faced by immigrants in Finland and searches for suitable practical approaches to improve their status in the society. We argue that the historical consequences of the real facts on migration in Finland are that immigrants are struggling to establish their identities, which then leads to a complex phenomenon of understating their social status. We have applied the Renault concept of experiences of injustice to understand immigrants’ social position and its influences on their settlement in Finland. The principles of this research can equally create sense and trust in public and private-public institutions, as well as promote transparency and conscious equitable treatment towards immigrants alongside other minority groups.

Political Engagement of the Russian Speakers in Finland

Russian-speaking immigrants in Finland, like many other immigrants in the world, are reluctant to express their opinions on politics. They do not consider themselves competent enough to have the right to make a judgment in a situation in which they have not taken part and which they cannot view completely on their own. Gradually, immigrants who were born in various countries are becoming increasingly aware of their place in their new society, but they still feel they cannot fully trust their leaders. This article examines the attitude of Russian speakers to the Finnish elections and the ongoing war in Ukraine as presented in media and social media, interviews, and essays. It is not easy to compare whether they are less involved than the young Finns, or it is a generational thing. The conclusion points out the difficulties in adapting to a different political system than in the country of origin and illustrates the spectrum of opinions among the immigrants of the first and second generation who live in Finland and use Russian among other languages in their everyday life. Russian-language media continue to have a significant influence on Russian speakers, even though secondgeneration representatives rely less on these sources of information.

The multidimensionality of urban nature: The well-being and integration of immigrants in Finland

Activities in natural environments greatly enhance human well-being and can support the integration of foreigners into a new country. This article explores how residents from different ethnic backgrounds in Turku, Finland appreciated and engaged with urban natural environments and how this engagement benefitted their well-being and, ultimately, their integration. Individuals enjoy activities in nature in particular ways, which may vary according to a person’s physical, social, and psychological characteristics. This is especially true for immigrants who apply traditions from their home countries to the ways in which they interact with their new environment and enjoy activities in nature. Three dimensions of nature experience—social, emotional, and normative—emerged from the research, which, in turn, supported well-being and different types of integration: interactive, identificational, and cognitive. We argue that because these dimensions are an integral part of a person’s identity and cultural background, familiarity with them may prove pivotal to constructing more welcoming and intercultural urban natural environments. Different approaches to engaging with nature should be considered in the design of urban environments and urban nature, as well as in integration programmes, to enhance the well-being and integration of foreign-background populations.

The Careers of Immigrants in Finland: Empirical Evidence for Genders and Year of Immigration

The Careers of Immigrants in Finland: Empirical Evidence for Genders and Year of Immigration

Cultural security regulation in Europe: A case study of immigrants in Finland

The cultural security of migrants in Finland is a rarely discussed topic. Like most European Union (EU) countries, Finland focuses the majority of its efforts on combating discrimination and, in many cases, overlooks aspects of cultural security for vulnerable minorities. Exactly such overlooking happened in 1996 when the Finnish legislation sufficiently limited ways of halal slaughtering — an essential ritual for Muslims. The subject of research is the cultural security of migrants in Europe with particular attention to Finland, reflected in analysed legal instruments such as the Finnish Animal Welfare Act 247/1996 and Animal Welfare Decree 396/1996 and academic papers defining challenges that religious minorities face in the European states. As discussed in the article legal concept of corporate due diligence can become this alternative aimed at harmonising halal standards, strengthening Muslim immigrants’ trust, and preventing misrepresentation of Muslim cultural security. This qualitative, descriptive, and conclusive research aims to identify potential mechanisms to foster cultural security for Muslim immigrants, discuss issues provoking cultural security from the perspective of the case study of halal slaughtering limitations, and answers the question of how the concept of due diligence can contribute to efficient regulation of cultural security in the future

Antidepressant use among immigrants with depressive disorder living in Finland: A register-based study

Background: The aim of this study was to examine differences in the initiation and discontinuation of antidepressants between immigrants and the Finnish-born population diagnosed with depression in specialized health care. Methods: The study utilized register-based data, which includes all immigrants living in Finland at the end of 2010 and matched Finnish-born controls. For this study, we selected individuals who had received a diagnosis of depression during 2011–2014 (immigrants n = 2244, Finnish-born n = 2773). Their antidepressant use was studied for a one-year period from initiation. A logistic regression was used to predict initiation and a Cox regression was used to predict discontinuation. Results: Immigrants were more likely to initiate the use of antidepressants than the Finnish-born controls (adjusted OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.07–1.46), but they also discontinued the medication earlier than the Finnish-born controls (adjusted HR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.31–1.68). Immigrants from Sub Saharan Africa, the Middle East and Northern Africa were most likely to discontinue antidepressants earlier. More severe depression, a longer length of residence in Finland and more intensive psychiatric treatment were associated with decreased risk of discontinuation. Limitations: The registers do not provide information on the perceived reasons for the discontinuation. Conclusions: Immigrants with depression initiate antidepressants more often than the Finnish-born population, but they also discontinue them earlier. Early discontinuation may be a sign of insufficient treatment suggesting that there could be a need for improvement in mental health care for immigrants in Finland.

The answerability of false hope: Examining the unexpected outcomes of the Finnexia® public art intervention

This article examines the unexpected ethical issues that emerged from Finnexia ® , a performance art intervention. Finnexia consisted of an advertisement campaign for a fictitious medication that helps people learn the Finnish language. Presented in the Helsinki Central Railway Station, the Finnexia performance aimed to generate a space for public dialogue about the experience of immigrants in Finland and the process of learning the Finnish language. On a secondary level, Finnexia presented a satirical critique towards the excess of medicalization in society. Through a detailed description of the Finnexia performance and its outcomes, the author examines the complexity of ethical issues that emerged from the Finnexia performance. The responsibility of the artist is discussed in the context of public performance in art practice and in artistic research. The author proposes that artists approach ethical considerations during the creative process through self-reflection, dialogue with fellow performers and in consultation with experts in the field.

Sensemaking by minority entrepreneurs: role identities and linguistic embeddedness

Language, as a form of contextual embeddedness, often defines how entrepreneurs enact their role identities, as well as restrict, or enable, the scope of their entrepreneurial activities. This study is an analysis of the role of linguistic embeddedness and role identities in the actions of two groups of minority entrepreneurs: immigrants and native minorities. This analysis was done by looking at the sensemaking of entrepreneurial activities, including venture creation and development. In-depth interviews with eight Russian immigrants in Finland and seven Swedish-speaking Finns were analyzed through metaphor analysis. The results show that immigrant entrepreneurs negotiate multiple role identities when realizing entrepreneurial activities and that, because of insufficient linguistic embeddedness in the host country’s context, native minority entrepreneurs face less complexity in enacting their role identities than their immigrant counterparts. This study contributes to the literature by focusing on the relatively underexplored interaction between the multiple role identities of an entrepreneur and organizational emergence and development. It also adds to the growing body of research on the role of language in entrepreneurship.

RELIGION AND THE SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF EAST AFRICAN PROTESTANT CHRISTIAN IMMIGRANTS IN FINLAND

Religion has been highlighted majorly in many scholarly works of sociologists as a key component of social integration. As people migrate from their countries of origin to different countries, they are often faced with difficulties of adapting into the new host society. As much as a lot of emphasis has been put on religion to be a positive influence in the process of social integration, it is not always the case. This article sought to point out the role of religion in social integration of protestant Christian immigrants in Finland as both a facilitator for social integration and a hindrance to social integration with focus on the experiences of East African Protestant Christian immigrants. Religious beliefs of the immigrants from respective countries of origin and the religiosity of the Finnish society serve as a foundation for the immigrant’s settlement and integration into the host society. This study described the process of social integration in a two dimensional approach whereby the first approach focused on the positive role of religion in immigrants integration and secondly the hindrance of religion in social integration. The study found out that religion is a major link in social integration and that it can facilitate social integration and as well hinder social integration, depending on the position it occupies within a host society. Such findings go a way to provide explanations as to why societies are different and why it is easy for religious immigrants to settle in certain societies than others.

Prejudice and acculturation preferences towards Russian immigrants in Finland

ABSTRACT Russian minorities are one of the most significant minority groups in Finland. Research on Finnish-Russian relations, suggests that Finnish adolescents have feelings of prejudice towards Russian immigrants. Studies that examine the association between these feelings of prejudice and the kind of acculturation preferences Finns have towards Russian immigrants do not exist. In a sample of 305 Finnish adolescents, this study investigates the relationship between feelings of prejudice and support for acculturation preferences (assimilation and integration) towards Russian immigrants. While controlling for the effect of age, gender, level of education, and family´s economic condition, results revealed a significant positive relationship between prejudice and assimilation and a negative but non-significant relationship between prejudice and support for integration. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed as well.