Differences in healthcare access between Rohingya refugees and their host community in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

Bibliographic Data

ID22091129
AuthorsSamaha Masroor Saqib (Uppsala University, corresponding author), Shirin Ziaei (0000-0001-5396-6624, Uppsala University), Soorej Jose Puthoopparambil (0000-0001-9113-9259, Uppsala University)
Year2025
Volume13
Pages1712128-1712128
Publication date2025-12-11
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1712128
PMID41458402
OpenAlexW4417221090
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited61

Background Forced migration is increasing globally and majority of the forced migrants are displaced in low- and middle-income countries. Bangladesh, which hosts about one million Rohingya refugees in one of the world's largest refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, faces challenges in ensuring equitable healthcare access for both refugees and host communities. This can create disparities in healthcare access for both the groups. Understanding the disparities is critical to aid in effective healthcare strategies that address the needs of both groups and promote social cohesion. This study investigated the differences in healthcare access between Rohingyas and their host community in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Methods Secondary data, covering refugee and host households using two datasets: household-level and individual-level were analyzed. Generalized linear mixed model and binary logistic regression was used to explore healthcare access differences between Rohingya refugees and their host community. Results Refugees were significantly more likely to face financial barriers (OR = 3.10, 95% CI: 2.14, 4.49; p = <0.001) when accessing healthcare compared to their host community. However, refugees had higher odds of enrolling in antenatal care (OR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.03, 4.65; p = 0.026) and nutrition programs (OR = 20.99, 95% CI: 10.64, 41.41; p = <0.001). Additionally, they were more likely to receive clear COVID-19 awareness information (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.17, 2.63; p = 0.006) and access proper healthcare (OR = 3.10, 95% CI: 2.19, 4.39; p = <0.001) compared to their host community. Conclusion The findings indicate that both refugees and host face healthcare access barriers. The refugee may benefit from targeted interventions in camps, leading to better access to specific healthcare services. To reduce disparities, a more inclusive healthcare strategy is necessary, ensuring equitable access for both refugees and host populations

Developing country · Health care · Psychological intervention · Refugee · Asian Geopolitics and Ethnography · Korean Peninsula Historical and Political Studies · Migration, Health and Trauma