Factors Related to Unmet Healthcare Needs among Immigrants in South Korea

To reduce health disparities among migrant populations, it is critical to fully understand the barriers they face when accessing and utilizing healthcare services. This study uses data from a survey of 1,060 immigrants from various backgrounds to investigate the causes of unmet healthcare needs. The findings show that 298 respondents reported having unmet healthcare needs. Significant contributors to these unmet healthcare needs include country of origin, visa status, occupation, experiences of discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic, self-assessed health status, anxiety, depression, and disability. Immigrant health disparities must be effectively addressed through policy reforms and increased budgetary allocations for migrant healthcare. Furthermore, developing educational programs and informational pamphlets to raise immigrants' awareness of their healthcare rights is critical for empowering them to protect these rights. Furthermore, initiatives that promote integration and facilitate the exchange of information and mutual assistance between immigrants and native populations are critical for promoting social cohesion and addressing healthcare disparities.