Volume 22, Issue 4 (1-2024)
jhosp 2024, 22(4): 367-383 |
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Aghaei Hashjin A, Nemati A, Tabatabaee Jabali S M, Farrokhi P. The utilization of healthcare services by refugees and migrants during the COVID-19 epidemic from health centers affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences. jhosp 2024; 22 (4) :367-383
URL: http://jhosp.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6664-en.html
URL: http://jhosp.tums.ac.ir/article-1-6664-en.html
1- Assistant Professor, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Assistant Professor, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- Ph.D. student, Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. *Corresponding Author Email: pouriafarrokhi73@gmail.com
2- Assistant Professor, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
3- Ph.D. student, Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. *Corresponding Author Email: pouriafarrokhi73@gmail.com
Abstract: (357 Views)
Background and purpose: Iran is ranked among the top ten nations in the world for hosting a large number of migrants and refugees. During the COVID-19 outbreak, refugees and migrants were among the most vulnerable groups. This study aimed to investigate the extent of healthcare service utilization by refugees and migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic in healthcare centers affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2021 in Tehran. The research environment included all healthcare networks and general and specialized hospitals. Data were collected through document review and registered information in the Sina system. All provided services were categorized into four groups: primary care, outpatient, emergency, and inpatient services. Data analysis was performed using the Chow test and Interrupted Time Series model with the Wats and Sctest software packages in R version 4.3.0.
Results: The decrease in utilization of outpatient, emergency, and inpatient services by refugees and migrants was significant (P-value < 0.001), whereas the decrease in primary care services was not significant. Additionally, after the onset of COVID-19, only the utilization of inpatient services showed a significant increasing trend (P-value < 0.013).
Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the utilization of all healthcare services by refugees and migrants, including primary, outpatient, emergency, and inpatient care, decreased. It is recommended to provide complete insurance coverage for refugees, offer free treatment for impoverished refugees, increase awareness among refugees to encourage greater use of health services, reduce existing social and economic barriers, and facilitate interaction between healthcare providers and refugees.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2021 in Tehran. The research environment included all healthcare networks and general and specialized hospitals. Data were collected through document review and registered information in the Sina system. All provided services were categorized into four groups: primary care, outpatient, emergency, and inpatient services. Data analysis was performed using the Chow test and Interrupted Time Series model with the Wats and Sctest software packages in R version 4.3.0.
Results: The decrease in utilization of outpatient, emergency, and inpatient services by refugees and migrants was significant (P-value < 0.001), whereas the decrease in primary care services was not significant. Additionally, after the onset of COVID-19, only the utilization of inpatient services showed a significant increasing trend (P-value < 0.013).
Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the utilization of all healthcare services by refugees and migrants, including primary, outpatient, emergency, and inpatient care, decreased. It is recommended to provide complete insurance coverage for refugees, offer free treatment for impoverished refugees, increase awareness among refugees to encourage greater use of health services, reduce existing social and economic barriers, and facilitate interaction between healthcare providers and refugees.
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
سیاست گذاری ، برنامه ریزی و رهبری و مدیریت در بیمارستان
Received: 2024/01/15 | Accepted: 2024/06/17 | Published: 2024/08/12
Received: 2024/01/15 | Accepted: 2024/06/17 | Published: 2024/08/12
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