其他摘要：This study aimed to obtain information on the characteristics of foreign nationals living in Japan who had difficulties in accessing healthcare, factors that inhibit access to care, and effective ways to help them.Methods We used explanatory sequential design in Mixed Methods. Existing healthcare-related cross-sectional data of 522 foreign nationals living in the Kanto area, Japan was quantitatively analyzed. Inhibition to access was defined those subjects who answered they’d had illness symptoms lasting 3 days or more in the past year, and who had not visited a hospital in Japan for treatment. After identifying factors and the population with clear tendency of refraining from visiting hospitals, a semi-structured interview was conducted targeting participants at “Free Medical Check-ups for Foreigners”. Eleven foreign participants, and 3 Japanese supporters, were selected purposively and interviewed.Results Quantitative study showed that difficulties accessing healthcare services were more commonly seen among males, non-married, single and low-income households, and more common among foreign students, technical interns, and applicants for refugee status. In addition, a lack of health insurance coverage and an undocumented status were associated with the inability to access care. The qualitative study revealed that community and supporters’ networks were helpful in situations where access to care was difficult. Conclusions Among foreigners living in Japan, socioeconomic reasons were associated with an inability to access healthcare. We believe that Japanese NPOs, social workers, etc., seem effective in helping foreign residents seek medical care. Particularly, those having a legally vulnerable status and who are illegible to utilize the Japanese public healthcare system and/or who are detained in immigration facilities, should seek the support of knowledgeable specialists. In addition to formal medical services, it may be effective to collaborate with expatriate communities and supporters’ networks and to strengthen their functions.
关键词：在住外国人;医療アクセス;受診抑制
其他关键词：Foreign residents;healthcare accessibility;refraining from visiting hospitals
