Digital Information Technology Use and Transnational Healthcare: A Population-Based Study on Older Russian-Speaking Migrants in Finland

J Immigr Minor Health. 2022 Feb;24(1):125-135. doi: 10.1007/s10903-021-01301-9. Epub 2021 Nov 5.

Abstract

This study examines the association between digital information technology (DIT) use and the utilization of transnational healthcare (THC) in older migrants, and investigates how this relationship depends on social integration or perceived discrimination in health services in the destination country. The data from a population-based study conducted in Finland in 2019, which targeted Russian-speaking residents aged 50 and above (n = 1082) nationwide, are analyzed. The analysis demonstrates that those who had a high level of DIT use were significantly more likely to use THC than those who had a low level of use. However, the findings do not show that the relationship depends on social integration or perceived discrimination. Older migrants can actively use transnational networks to address their health and well-being issues by using DIT and seeking healthcare abroad. Their health service use can be illustrated as an active process involving various geographical domains.

Keywords: Aging; Digital information technology; Discrimination; Integration; Migrants; Migration; Older adults; Transnational healthcare.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Finland
  • Humans
  • Information Technology
  • Perceived Discrimination
  • Transients and Migrants*