Abstract
Objective
To examine the experiences of Kosovo-Serbs who seek healthcare in the formal Kosovo health system.
Methods
Eleven semi-structured interviews were carried out with Kosovo-Serbs who live in one of the following mono-ethnic enclaves: Gorazhdevc/Goraždevac, Videje/Vidanje, Klinë/Klina and Viti/Vitina. A phenomenological approach was used to collect and analyze data.
Results
The analysis shows the critical role of the depth of the relationship with Kosovo-Albanian doctors in the Kosovo-Serbs’ experience of seeking care in the formal sector. The patient–doctor relationship is the result of two processes—longitudinal care and consultation experiences. Four elements, i.e., knowledge, trust, closeness and regard were identified as key aspects contributing to the depth of the relationship between Kosovo-Serb patients and Kosovo-Albanian doctors.
Conclusions
Fear, anxiety and language differences are still important barriers to Kosovo-Serbs’ access to formal health care. These barriers are partly overcome as interviewees establish and develop relationships to Kosovo-Albanian doctors based on reciprocal knowledge, trust, closeness, and regard. Hereby, Kosovo-Serb patients and Kosovo-Albanian doctors contribute to blur the lines the ethnically divided health system and transcend the legacy of war.
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Acknowledgments
We are grateful for the timely financial support of the Danish Council for Independent Research/Social Sciences under the Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation, Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education, of Professor Ib Bygbjerg, Copenhagen School of Global Health, Copenhagen University and of DANIDA fellowship travel grant.
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Luta, X., Dræbel, T. Kosovo-Serbs’ experiences of seeking healthcare in a post-conflict and ethnically segregated health system. Int J Public Health 58, 377–383 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-012-0403-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-012-0403-8