Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40375083›Full record

ArticleBMC public health2025

Experiences of antibiotic use and healthcare access among migrants to the UK: a qualitative study.

Luisa Silva, Amani Al-Oraibi, Shajwan Nanakali, Mayuri Gogoi, Osama Hassan, Isra Al-Sharabi, Pankhuri Sahare, Manish Pareek, Irtiza Qureshi, Laura B Nellums

Abstract read
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Article in BMC public health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
6citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

6 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Luisa SilvaLifeorgdivision and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
Amani Al-OraibiLifeorgdivision and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
Shajwan NanakaliLifeorgdivision and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
Mayuri GogoiDepartment of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
Osama HassanLifeorgdivision and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
Isra Al-SharabiDoctors of the World, London, UK.
Pankhuri SahareLifeorgdivision and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
Manish PareekDepartment of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
Irtiza Qureshi *Lifeorgdivision and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. iq8@leicester.ac.uk.
Laura B Nellums *Lifeorgdivision and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.

Funding

Academy of Medical Sciences Academy of Medical Sciences
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundIn recent years, migration to and within Europe has increased. Human mobility has been hypothesised as a contributing factor towards antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, there is limited evidence to explain how migration contributes towards antibiotic resistance. More qualitative research regarding migrants' perspectives of antibiotic use is needed to understand this complex interaction. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of antibiotic use and healthcare access among migrants in the UK, and how this might influence the risk of AMR.

methodsAdult migrants were purposively recruited through community organisations, collaborators, online platforms and snowball sampling representing different migrant statuses, countries of origin and ethnicities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted online, by phone or face-to-face, in participants' preferred languages, between March and July 2022 exploring antibiotic use and healthcare access. Data were analysed thematically and the study was informed by a Project Advisory Committee, with members from Doctors of the World and professionals who were previously refugees or asylum seekers.

resultsTwenty-seven migrants (17 males and 10 females), aged 21-60, from 17 different countries were interviewed. Four main themes were generated: 1) Uncharted territory: navigating a new healthcare system (sub-themes (a) access to care during journey, (b) difficult access to healthcare in the UK and (c) comparison between different healthcare systems); 2) Preserving the sense of agency and decision-making around antibiotic use, 3) Self-perpetuating cycle (sub-themes - (a) co-infections; (b) using alarming symptoms or "red-flags" and (c) taking antibiotics due to previous similar symptoms or persisting symptoms), and 4) The fragile state of the patient-doctor relationship.

conclusionsThese findings give useful insight into barriers faced by migrants when trying to access healthcare services both en route and after arriving in the UK, as well as their attitudes and behaviours in relation to antibiotics. Results also shed light on the complexity of factors contributing to health-seeking behaviour and antibiotic use, and how these may vary depending on previous experiences. We discuss implications for future research and practice, and how current policies may need to evolve to better support and reduce possible risk factors for AMR in migrant communities.

Indexed as

Anti-Bacterial AgentsHealth Services AccessibilityTransients and MigrantsAdultFemaleHumansInterviews as TopicMaleMiddle AgedQualitative ResearchUnited KingdomYoung AdultAnti-Bacterial AgentsAntibiotic knowledgeAntibiotic useAntimicrobial resistanceGlobal healthHealthcare accessHealth inequalitiesMigrant healthQualitative research

Identifiers

PMID40375083
PMCPMC12079932

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LicenceCC BY
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.