| Issue/Objective |
This research examines systemic inequities in healthcare access for international students with chronic illnesses in Denmark, revealing that despite a universal healthcare model, many face barriers such as non-recognition of foreign diagnoses, limited access to medication, bureaucratic delays, and medical dismissal . Grounded in the Social Determinants of Health and intersectionality frameworks, the study highlights how governance structures, policies, and power dynamics within healthcare systems create inequitable outcomes, particularly for non-EU students. By centring marginalized voices, it shows how students are forced to navigate complex systems with little support, often relying on informal networks while experiencing negative impacts on their health and academic performance. The findings emphasize the need for culturally competent, patient-centred care and call for policy reforms such as improved recognition of foreign diagnoses, reduced gatekeeping, and better system integration. Overall, the study contributes to translating evidence into action by offering practical, system-level recommendations to advance health equity and accountability. |
| Methodology/Approach |
This study was conducted in Denmark and focused on international students with chronic illnesses who had attempted to access care within the Danish healthcare system. It employed a qualitative research design using a hybrid phenomenological approach, integrating both descriptive and interpretive methods to explore participants' lived experiences in depth. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten international students recruited via social media and word of mouth, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. The research was carried out over the course of the 2024-2025 academic year, from participant recruitment and data collection to analysis and final write-up . |
| Results |
The study found that international students with chronic illnesses in Denmark face significant systemic barriers to healthcare access, particularly in the recognition of foreign diagnoses, continuity of care, and access to appropriate treatment . Participants frequently reported experiences of medical dismissal and having to "perform" illness to be taken seriously, alongside long wait times, financial burdens, and gatekeeping by general practitioners. These challenges led to worsening physical and mental health, as well as negative impacts on academic performance and social well-being. The findings highlight how structural factors-such as policy gaps, cultural insensitivity, and lack of system integration-produce inequitable outcomes even within a universal healthcare system. Key lessons include the need for more culturally competent, patient-centred care, improved recognition of transnational medical histories, and stronger coordination across healthcare services to ensure continuity and equity in care delivery. |
| Discussion/Conclusion |
This research highlights that universal healthcare systems do not inherently ensure equitable access, as systemic, cultural, and policy-level barriers continue to disadvantage international students with chronic illnesses . The findings underscore the need for policy reforms that improve recognition of foreign diagnoses, reduce bureaucratic gatekeeping, and strengthen continuity of care across borders. From a governance and health equity perspective, the study reveals how power dynamics, institutional practices, and gaps in culturally competent care shape unequal outcomes, aligning with the conference theme of addressing upstream determinants of health. To translate evidence into impact, the research calls for practical interventions such as provider training in intersectionality and cultural safety, improved integration of medical records, and enhanced collaboration between universities and healthcare systems. Scaling these solutions requires embedding accountability mechanisms and centring marginalized voices in policy design, ensuring that health systems become more inclusive, responsive, and resilient for diverse populations. |
| Presenters and Affiliations |
Johanne Lisa Jensen-LeBlanc University of Waterloo |
