'Valuable but incomplete!' A qualitative study about migrants' perspective on health examinations in Stockholm

A voluntary health examination is offered to asylum seekers in Sweden with the purpose of detecting infectious diseases and identifying other health needs. This study aimed to explore the organization, content and perceived value of the health examination from the perspective of asylum seekers.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 migrants recruited from different settings in Stockholm. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis in relation to the availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality framework.

Participants reported positive aspects of the health examination while raising important concerns, categorized into the following themes: availability-despite being available, the service was considered to be delayed with perceived implication for infection control; accessibility-migrants experienced no physical or economic barrier to access the health examination, especially when it was performed through a mobile clinic, however, they had limited access to information; acceptability and quality-migrants trusted the health staff, however, the examination lacked important aspects related to mental health and dental care needs, among other health needs.

Health examinations are valued by participants but failed to identify and address many perceived health needs. Mobile clinics seem a practical strategy to improve accessibility.