Potential Barriers to Utilizing Health Services among Multi-Ethnic Communities in Samarinda City: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Users of multi-ethnic services are sometimes faced with barriers when using health services.
However, health care providers are sometimes not aware of these barriers, even though they may share a
little more responsibility for them. To enlighten service providers, such as potential pitfalls that may exist,
will be explored by various factors that trigger these barriers.
Objective: This study aims to explore and identify potential barriers to the utilization of health services
among multi-ethnic communities in Samarinda city.
Method: There were 28 informants from 4 ethnic groups (Javanese, Buginese, Banjar ethnic, and Dayak
ethnic) who were selected by purposive sampling according to the criteria set (n-28). Key informants from
the community leaders and traditional leaders of each ethnic group (n = 4). Data analysis used content
analysis to analyze the phenomena found in the study
Results: Potential barriers occur at three different levels: service user level, provider level, and system level.
Barriers at the service user level were related to the characteristics of service users: socioeconomic conditions,
heritage lifestyle, family support, income of the family head, entry to NHIS member, transportation and
travel time. Barriers at the provider level were related to provider characteristics: attitudes, communication
dan information style, ethnic matching program. System-level barriers were related to system characteristics:
referral system.
Conclusion: Several potential barriers have been found but are more related to the level of service providers
and the level of the health systems.