Migration/occupation/access: The use of chosen family to access health services among overseas Filipina workers living in Europe

Background and Significance: It is estimated that over 8 million Filipinos migrate overseas to often work in "3-D" jobs: dirty, difficult, and dangerous. Filipinos are often subjected to unfair working conditions, long hours, low pay, and human rights abuses. Many overseas Filipino workers are employed through unofficial channels, and are often undocumented workers. In such situations, there are a number of challenges that face OFWs seeking services, especially health and social services.

Objective/Purpose: This exploratory study examines the experience of Overseas Filipina Workers in the Netherlands, Italy and Spain to understand how they seek and navigate through public health services and the impact of being domestic helpers on their health and well-being.

Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews and participant observations in six Western European cities with 28 Overseas Filipino Workers engaged as domestic helpers, cleaners and maids. Using a grounded theory approach, data were coded and analyzed to derive emergent themes around health seeking services and health support.

Results: Our findings revealed five major themes that supported women in navigating foreign health care systems to address health challenges. The ability of participants' to navigate through public health systems involved a complex constellation of: chosen family structures, language challenges, public image, ability and willingness to integrate, and level of education. Participants relied predominantly on chosen networks (family, friends, and acquaintances) for support in accessing health services.

Discussion/Conclusion: This presentation will discuss the different sociocultural environments that affect the ability for Overseas Filipina women to access and navigate a spectrum of health services. Overseas Filipina women maintain chosen familial networks that support access to health resources. These findings suggest ways to leverage chosen family networks and inform interventions aimed at strengthening social ties and optimizing health promotion among Overseas Filipina women.