A Study of Patient Satisfaction and Barriers to Healthcare Access among Migrant Patients at a Thai-Myanmar Border Hospital
Keywords:
Patient satisfaction, Migrant patients, Healthcare access, Border hospitalAbstract
This cross-sectionalstudy aimed to investigate satisfaction levels, factors influencing satisfaction, and health needs and barriers to healthcare access among migrant patients at a border hospital in Tak Province. The study involved 350 migrants living in Mae Sot district for the quantitative phase, and 30 participants who visited the hospital for in-depth interviews in the qualitative phase.
The results showed that overall satisfaction was at a high level (Mean = 4.14, S.D. = 0.75). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that factors significantly influencing satisfaction were staff service behavior (Beta = 0.523), environment and facilities (Beta = 0.263), and service processes (Beta = 0.186), which together accounted for 81.2% of the variance in satisfaction. Qualitative findings revealed that primary barriers to access were language communication difficulties, financial burdens, and legal status concerns. Participants expressed a need for comprehensive Burmese interpreting services and health insurance schemes tailored to their income levels. Conclusion and Application: Despite the high satisfaction levels, healthcare facilities should prioritize increasing the number of public health interpreters and developing alternative health insurance models for migrants. These measures are essential to bridging the gap and promoting sustainable healthcare access in border regions.
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