384 Perceived discrimination in encounters with healthcare services among Syrian refugees in Norway: the role of personal agency

Abstract OP 12: Health Services 4, B210 (FCSH), September 3, 2025, 17:00 - 18:00 Aims Norway provides universal healthcare, and all legal residents, including asylum seekers and refugees, have a statutory right to a regular general practitioner (GP), which can be changed. The GP services, alongside emergency care, are part of primary healthcare often serving as gatekeepers to specialized secondary services. The aim of the study was to explore the informants’ experiences when interacting with healthcare services. Methods As part of the Integration for Health project (I4H), we conducted qualitative interviews among twenty Syrian refugees in Norway following a semi-structured interview guide about health and integration. The sample consisted of nine men and 11 women aged 22 to 65. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase guide to reflexive thematic analysis. Results Perceived discrimination in interactions with healthcare services was a recurring theme with two subthemes: Some informants felt that when/ if healthcare personnel showed a lack of respect, it was linked to their refugee background, which undermined their trust in diagnostic procedures and treatment. This led them to question the legitimacy of standard practices—such as treatment regimens and emergency department triage—when they perceived themselves to be discriminated against. Personal agency, understood as the belief that one is in control of one’s own life course and choices, acted as a buffer against negative experiences with perceived discrimination. Practical and emotional support by loved ones and the ability to choose alternative GPs or health centres were factors strengthening personal agency. Conclusion Perceived discrimination diminished trust necessary in care-seeking. However, social support and personal agency mitigated these adverse experiences, leading informants to find alternative healthcare personnel/ centres. While strengthening personal agency is essential, promoting diversity-sensitive health care services is equally important to mitigate negative impacts of experienced discrimination.