Addressing Primary Care Delays Among Nepalese Immigrants in Canada

A community-based survey of 401 Nepalese adults in Calgary found that 66% reported delayed access to primary care in the previous 12 months—high enough to undermine screening, chronic disease monitoring, and timely treatment, particularly among older adults and households with lower education or income.

The cross-sectional survey quantified measurable gaps in access and documented core outcomes: frequency of delays, reported causes (chiefly service unavailability and long wait times), and demographic associations. Multivariable analyses linked delays to age, educational attainment, an income band (≥ $26,000 in adjusted models), and presence of one or more chronic conditions—patterns that map directly onto missed prevention and chronic-care opportunities primary care seeks to deliver.

Key associated factors included older age, lower education, income, and multimorbidity. The study’s design and interpretation were guided by community-based participatory research, and its findings point to culturally tailored, community-engaged strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• In a Calgary sample, 66% of Nepalese adults reported delayed primary care in the prior 12 months.
• Delays disproportionately affect older adults, households with lower education, and people with chronic conditions—concentrating clinical and social vulnerability within this immigrant community.