Factors influencing healthcare-seeking behaviour among Muslims from Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia and Malaysia) living in Japan: an exploratory qualitative study

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors influencing healthcare-seeking behaviours and to explore issues with healthcare experiences of Muslims from Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia and Malaysia) living in Japan. DESIGN: Qualitative study. SETTING: Kansai area of Japan (Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo and Nara prefectures). PARTICIPANTS: Forty-five Muslims in Japan from Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia and Malaysia). METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted by trained interviewers who are Muslims living in Japan. Interviews were conducted in Indonesian and Malaysian languages and transcribed and translated into English. The data were thematically analysed. RESULTS: Four themes were identified: (1) trying to comply with the recommendations of Islam, (2) confusion about healthcare system, (3) improvising an informal support system and (4) language barrier problems. CONCLUSION: Muslims in Japan have some issues when obtaining healthcare services mainly because of communication issues besides the conflicts to meet their religious obligations. Education and awareness building for the Muslim patients in Japan as well as Japanese healthcare providers are needed to allow smooth communication between Japanese healthcare providers and Muslim patients in Japan.