Health problems among persons without legal residence in Norway Who are the patients at the Health Center for Undocumented Migrants in Oso and what are their health problems

Abstract

Background: Persons without legal residency have limited rights and access to health services. This can create health problems or worsen conditions they have. The Health Center for Undocumented Migrants in opened in 2009, and provides health care to people without legal residence. Aim of the study: Present an overview of the patients at the Health Center for Undocumented Migrants and their health problems. Method: This study is a retrospective register study based on the Health Center for Undocumented Migrants’ first 593 patients. The limitations of the data material from the Health Center allowed me to include som of my own experiences and reflections from volunteering as a nurse at the Health Center over the last 6 years. Findings: The patients were 0-80 years old, of which 2/3 were men. About 4/5 of the patients were persons without legal residence. The majority of patients was from Asia and Africa. The patients had various health problems related to all organ systems by the classification in the ICPC-2 diagnostic list. The majority of the diagnoses were symptom diagnoses, but some diagnoses could indicate more severe underlying diseases. The most common diagnoses were digestive problems, sexual- and reproductive health problems and mental health problems. Discussion: The demographic characteristics of the patients at the Health Center diverted from similar European studies, but the prevalence of the various diagnoses corresponded with findings from other European studies within the same field. The ICPC-2 diagnoses gave an impression of the burden of disease, but did not reveal the complex health problems some of the patients live with. Conclusion: Persons without legal residence have various health problems, which can lead to a deterioration of their health. This study contributes to knowledge so that health professionals and decision makers better can formulate procedures are commensurate with both patients' needs, and with Norway's human rights obligations towards everyone residing in the country.