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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | International Journal of Public Health (Print Edition) |
| Volume | 58 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Pages (from-to) | 377-383 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| ISSN | 1661-8556 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2013 |
