Racial discrimination in Norway : Africans experiences while using healthcare services

Abstract

The thesis is a qualitative study involving fifteen Africans living in Norway. The study explored their experiences of racial discrimination when using healthcare services. In addition, participants’ subsequent use of healthcare services after experiencing racial discrimination, coping strategies and their awareness of human rights laws and institutions were also explored. Ten out of the fifteen participants had experienced some form of racial discrimination. Forms in which racial discrimination was manifested include facial expression, body language and language issues. Participants with family were found to continue to use healthcare services even after experiencing discrimination while those without family stopped using healthcare services and resorted self-medication. Avoidance was the main coping strategy identified by the study. The study makes use of Human Right Conventions and the Critical Race Theory (CRT) to analyze the data. From the human right perspective, the study found that all participants had knowledge about human rights laws and institutions that are supposed to protect them against racial discrimination and to help provide support when they become victims. However, none of the participants have used the services of these institutions. The CRT offers an opportunity for systemic structures that disfavour racial minorities and, in turn, promote racism to be highlighted and brought to the fore. Racial discrimination against Africans living in Norway when they are using healthcare services occurs through systemic structures where language issue is the main discriminating factor. Health facilities should inform immigrants about their right to request for an interpreter if needed when attending appointments. Further a genuine show of interest by policy makers, leaders of health facilities and training of healthcare providers' about racial discrimination can help reduce the canker. The experience of racial discrimination in the healthcare sector is part of a broader racial discrimination issue in Norway.