Evaluating Primary Healthcare Quality from Migrants and Refugees' Viewpoint.

Abstract

Background: The likelihood of poor health outcomes for refugees is increased due to a variety of complicated causes. Lack of access to high-quality care during resettlement is frequently cited by migrants. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the quality of primary care services from the perspective of refugees and migrants.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in three health networks affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences in 2021. Data were collected by using a self-administrative questionnaire, the validity and reliability of which were checked and confirmed. The questionnaires were randomly completed by 280 migrants and refugees. Data were analyzed by using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, Spearman correlation, exploratory factor analysis, and Cronbach's α with SPSS 22.

Results: According to the results, the overall service quality was 3.86 out of 5. The highest and lowest mean scores were related to efficiency (4.12 ±0.64) and tangibility (3.28 ±0.39). Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between the perception of service quality and gender, education, residence area, and the rate of center visits (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The quality of services was generally rated favorably by the refugees. Managers and decision-makers are recommended to allocate enough funds to equip and upgrade the amenities at health centers to increase the quality of services.