Barriers to Diabetes Care Among Migrant Populations: A Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Studies
1
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
2
Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
3
Department of Endocrinology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Due to globalisation, economic opportunities, and political displacement, there has been a rise in migration, with over 280 million migrants, and this trend is not expected to decrease.(1) Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a global health concern that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including migrants.(2) Immigrants often receive suboptimal care for diabetes management compared to native populations, attributed to healthcare barriers.(3) This meta-synthesis aims to systematically identify and interpret the barriers that migrant patients face in accessing and managing diabetes care.
METHODS:
A systematic search was conducted in five databases, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus, from inception to May 2025. Initially, the title/ abstract was screened, followed by full-text screening to include qualitative studies on barriers to diabetes care among migrants. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills program (CASP) criteria.(4) Themes were synthesised to analyse the findings using Thomas and Harden's (2008) three-step approach. (5)
RESULTS:
This Meta-synthesis included 20 articles after full-text screening. Six themes identified included i) Cultural beliefs and acculturation challenges, ii) Language barriers and communication gaps, iii) Health-system navigation and access issues, iv) Health insurance and financial constraints, v) Psychosocial and emotional stressors, and vi) Health literacy and knowledge gaps. Each theme was further described using subthemes. Based on CASP criteria, the overall quality of the included studies was high.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings underscore the importance of addressing healthcare barriers to achieve more equitable outcomes for immigrant communities. Effective interventions must therefore be socially and culturally responsive, integrating biomedical care with community support, financial protection, and psychological resilience. Outreach should actively address psychosocial distress, isolation, and health literacy. Only through such comprehensive approaches can the health system begin to address the disparities and move towards equitable diabetes care for migrants.
Due to globalisation, economic opportunities, and political displacement, there has been a rise in migration, with over 280 million migrants, and this trend is not expected to decrease.(1) Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a global health concern that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including migrants.(2) Immigrants often receive suboptimal care for diabetes management compared to native populations, attributed to healthcare barriers.(3) This meta-synthesis aims to systematically identify and interpret the barriers that migrant patients face in accessing and managing diabetes care.
METHODS:
A systematic search was conducted in five databases, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus, from inception to May 2025. Initially, the title/ abstract was screened, followed by full-text screening to include qualitative studies on barriers to diabetes care among migrants. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills program (CASP) criteria.(4) Themes were synthesised to analyse the findings using Thomas and Harden's (2008) three-step approach. (5)
RESULTS:
This Meta-synthesis included 20 articles after full-text screening. Six themes identified included i) Cultural beliefs and acculturation challenges, ii) Language barriers and communication gaps, iii) Health-system navigation and access issues, iv) Health insurance and financial constraints, v) Psychosocial and emotional stressors, and vi) Health literacy and knowledge gaps. Each theme was further described using subthemes. Based on CASP criteria, the overall quality of the included studies was high.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings underscore the importance of addressing healthcare barriers to achieve more equitable outcomes for immigrant communities. Effective interventions must therefore be socially and culturally responsive, integrating biomedical care with community support, financial protection, and psychological resilience. Outreach should actively address psychosocial distress, isolation, and health literacy. Only through such comprehensive approaches can the health system begin to address the disparities and move towards equitable diabetes care for migrants.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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