A Comparison of Older Chinese and Korean Immigrants’ Transnational Healthcare Practices (THP) in the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA): A Mixed Methods Approach

Sociocultural and economic barriers to quality healthcare may influence older immigrants’ transnational health practices (THP), which may involve traveling to home countries for healthcare services, accessing medicine, and health-related information and resources from home countries. This study explores the complex relationships among individual characteristics, local healthcare experiences in Canada, and varying formats of THP using primary data collected through surveys and focus groups on older immigrants from the Chinese and Korean communities in the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). A mixed methods approach was used, combining statistical, spatial, and qualitative methods to analyze group patterns of THP and factors of THP. The logistic regressions reveal more prevalent THP among older Chinese immigrants than those from the Korean community, and participants with stronger transnational ties are more likely to access THP. Integrating quantitative and qualitative analyses suggests complex relationships between THP and individual circumstances and local healthcare experiences, such as a lack of quality specialty healthcare for older immigrants in Canada.