4 June 2026
Saija Jarvimaki
A new population-based JACARDI study conducted in Finland shows that people with a migrant background are consistently more likely than the general population to report experiences of discrimination in health services. Drawing on national survey data, the study highlights how discrimination intersects with sociodemographic, health-related and migration-related factors, underscoring the need for equity-driven health care practices.
“Our findings show that health service users with a migrant background report discrimination more frequently across all socio-demographic and health-related groups,” says lead author Regina García‑Velázquez.
Across all examined factors, health service users with a migrant background showed a higher likelihood of reporting discrimination compared to the general population. Overall, 8.9 per cent of migrant users reported discrimination in health services, compared to 3.7 per cent among the general population.
Higher overall reporting of discrimination was observed among women, people with insufficient income, those with poorer mental or physical health, and users of public health care services. Among migrant users, experiences of discrimination were particularly pronounced among people with a forced migration background and those originating from the Middle East and Africa. Reported discrimination was also more common among users facing insufficient language support and challenges in accessing clear information about how the health service system functions.
Experiences varied within and across groups, highlighting how discrimination is shaped by the interplay of multiple social, health-related and migration-related factors.
Discrimination reflects unequal access and higher health care needs
The findings indicate that experiences of discrimination in health services are closely linked to unequal access and unmet health care needs. Among migrant health service users, practical barriers such as insufficient language support and challenges in navigating the health service system were strongly associated with higher reported discrimination. These challenges may intensify existing health disparities, particularly for those with greater or more complex health needs.
Towards more equitable and responsive health services
The study highlights that discrimination is not only about individual encounters but reflects broader system-level issues related to accessibility, communication and responsiveness of care. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts to ensure equitable service provision across different population groups.
To reduce discrimination in health services, the researchers emphasise the need for equity-driven initiatives, including systematic monitoring of discrimination, anti-racism training, and the development of culturally responsive and linguistically accessible care. Improving guidance on how to navigate health services and strengthening professionals’ capacity to respond to diverse needs are identified as key areas for action.“Investing in clear communication and language support is essential. Equity‑oriented professional training can help ensure that care is accessible and respectful for everyone who needs it,” says Katri‑Leena Mustonen, second author of the study.
The study analysed data from two nationally representative surveys collected in 2022: the MoniSuomi survey among people with a foreign background and the Healthy Finland survey among the general adult population. The analysis focused on adults aged 20–74 who had used health services in the previous 12 months.
Publication: Experiences of discrimination in health services in Finland: An observational cross-sectional survey study among migrant and general populations
Authors: Regina Garcia Velazquez, Katri Leena Mustonen, Natalia Skogberg, Anu Emilia Castañeda, M. Eid, Suvi Parikka, Hannamaria Kuusio
Journal: Social Science & Medicine
Publication date: 20 March 2026