Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: January | Volume: 11 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 1-9
Intercultural Sensitivity among Healthcare Professionals Working with Refugees and Migrants in Greece: A Cross-Sectional Study
Panagiota Gaitani1, Venetia Notara2,3, Georgia Koutsouradi1, Evanthia Sakellari2,3, Areti Lagiou2,3
1Center for Health Services Research, Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Athens Medical School, Mikras Asias 75, Athens 115 27, Greece
2Department of Public and Community Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
3Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
Corresponding Author: Panagiota Gaitani
ABSTRACT
Background: Healthcare professionals in Greece face new challenges regarding the provision of healthcare services to newly arrived refugees and migrants. One of these challenges is connected to the cultural differences between healthcare professionals and their clients. Intercultural sensitivity is an important aspect and prerequisite for effective communication. The current study aimed to explore the intercultural sensitivity (IS) among healthcare professionals who provide services to migrants and refugees in Greece
Methods: In this descriptive study, a convenience sample of 185 healthcare professionals participated. Personal and work-related characteristics and the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS) were analyzed.
Results: Results showed high levels of total intercultural sensitivity score. Significant differences were revealed among participants' professional background, length of working experience, age, working experience abroad, familiarity with intercultural health, and frequency of contact with migrants and refugees.
Discussion: Further research in exploring the needs of healthcare professionals and tailoring training interventions is needed. Furthermore, training programs for cultural sensitivity should be continuously available for healthcare professionals.
Key words: Intercultural Sensitivity Scale; healthcare professionals; refugees; migrants.