Experiences of Cultural Differences, Discrimination, and Healthcare Access of Displaced Syrians (DS) in Lebanon: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The study aims to examine cultural differences and discrimination as difficulties encountered by DS when using the Lebanese healthcare system, and to evaluate the equity of DS access to health services in Lebanon. This is a qualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interviews with DS and Lebanese healthcare professionals. The participants were selected by visiting two hospitals, one public Primary Healthcare Center, and three PHCs managed by Non-Governmental Organizations. The recruitment of participants was based on reasoned and targeted sampling. Thematic analysis was performed to identify common themes in participants’ experiences of DS in accessing Lebanese healthcare. Twenty interviews took place with directors of health facilities (n = 5), health professionals (n = 9), and DS (n = 6) in six different Lebanese healthcare institutions. The results showed barriers of access to care related to transportation and financial issues. Healthcare services provided to the DS appear to be of poor quality due to inequitable access to the health system, attributable to the discriminatory behavior of healthcare providers. Among the several factors contributing to the presence of discrimination in the Lebanese healthcare system, the persisting fragility of the healthcare system—facing a humanitarian crisis—emerged as the major driver of such unequal treatment. The number of DS in Lebanon is roughly equal to a quarter of its citizens; there is an urging need to restore the Lebanese health system to ensure the equitable provision of health services for DS and appropriate working conditions for health professionals.