77 Understanding newcomers’ experience in accessing healthcare services for their children upon arriving in Canada

Abstract Background Access to healthcare services is a fundamental right for all children, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which mandates governments to ensure equitable health rights for every child, including newcomers. However, newcomer families often encounter unique barriers when trying to access paediatric healthcare services upon arriving in Canada. This study focuses on understanding these challenges in New Brunswick, a region experiencing an increase in immigrant populations. By examining the healthcare access experiences of newcomer families, this research identifies gaps within the healthcare system and explores how these may impact the health outcomes and overall development of newcomer children. The study highlights the need for policy adjustments and support services to facilitate easier healthcare access for these families and promote their children's well-being​. Objectives This study aims to: Examine the experiences of newcomer families in accessing healthcare services for their children in New Brunswick. Identify the specific barriers, including cultural and language-related challenges, that hinder effective access to paediatric healthcare. Assess the current healthcare system’s responsiveness to the unique needs of newcomer children and their families. Provide recommendations for healthcare policy adjustments and support services that could enhance access and ensure equitable healthcare for all children in the province. Design/Methods A qualitative design was used to capture the lived experiences of newcomer mothers regarding their children’s healthcare access in New Brunswick. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who met the criteria of being recent immigrants with at least one child. The interviews were designed to explore themes surrounding healthcare access, including health status and personal experiences, comparisons between healthcare systems, available support services, and perceived policy gaps. Data were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and subthemes, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the obstacles these families face. The resulting themes allowed for an in-depth examination of both the practical and emotional dimensions of healthcare access challenges. This method also facilitated the gathering of insights into the systemic barriers newcomer families encounter, as well as the resources they believe would support more equitable access to paediatric healthcare services. Results The analysis of interview data revealed five major themes that encapsulate the experiences of newcomer families regarding healthcare access for their children in New Brunswick. The first theme, Access to Healthcare, highlighted significant issues related to health literacy, understanding the provincial healthcare system, and initial navigation challenges. Participants frequently reported language barriers and difficulty obtaining information about available services, often leading to delayed or missed appointments. The second theme, Health Status and Experiences, described a wide range of health concerns unique to immigrant children, such as under-addressed mental health needs and chronic conditions that required prompt attention upon arrival. Comparison and Gaps in the Healthcare System emerged as a third theme, where mothers contrasted New Brunswick’s healthcare with systems in their countries of origin, noting particular deficiencies in responsiveness and culturally appropriate care. The fourth theme, Support Services and Policy Changes, emphasized the importance of supportive resources, such as language interpretation, cultural competence training for healthcare providers, and expanded insurance coverage. The final theme, Miscellaneous Mentions, captured additional personal anecdotes, shedding light on individualized yet impactful experiences, including the role of community organizations in bridging access gaps. These findings underscore the pressing need for system adjustments in New Brunswick to foster more accessible, responsive, and inclusive paediatric healthcare for newcomer families​. Conclusion The study reveals significant barriers that newcomer families face in accessing paediatric healthcare in New Brunswick, affecting children’s health and well-being. Findings emphasize the need for policy changes, such as improved cultural competency training, language services, and expanded support networks, to ensure that healthcare services are more inclusive. Addressing these gaps will not only enhance healthcare accessibility for newcomer children but also safeguard their development and long-term health outcomes in the province.

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