Finland Times

The migrants living in Finland are satisfied with their life and health status, although some barriers like unemployment, poor language skill, absence of physical exercise and inadequate vitamin D are still challenges for them.

 The Russian, Somali and Kurdish origin migrants are mainly satisfied with their life in Finland and their health status and functional capacity is generally good, according to a study conducted by the National Institute for Health and Welfare.

The first Migrant Health and Wellbeing Study (Maamu) reports release last month, however, said that unemployment, insufficient language skills, obesity, too little physical exercise, and low levels of vitamin D challenge the health and wellbeing of migrant population.

According to the Director General of the organization, Pekka Puska, the study shows that, in spite of migrants’ problems, they have good opportunities for productive work and integration in Finland. 

The study found that migrants had more psychiatric symptoms and they were less likely to access the needed mental health services than the overall population. 

One in two women and one in four men of Kurdish origin, and one in four women with Russian background, showed severe symptoms of depression and anxiety. Nearly four of five participants of Kurdish origin and three of five Somali participants had experienced serious traumatic events in their country of origin, said the report.

The study highlights the importance of availability of mental health and other social and health services, as well as health promotion activities. Measures against discrimination and for better employment and inclusion are also needed in order to promote integration of migrant populations. 

The study aimed to gain information on the health and wellbeing of migrants who had moved to Finland from Russia, Somalia, Iran and Irak. 

A total of 1846 persons, aged 18–64 years (62% of the sample), living in six cities of Finland, participated in the study. 

After release of the study report, Finland Times correspondents talked to some migrants in Rovaniemi where most of the expressed satisfaction over their lifestyle here.

A Kurdish migrant Dilgas said that they got a secured life here ans started to adjust with the environment.

One Somali, however, said that despite having all kind of social security, very often he feels his country.