AUTHOR=Grosheintz-Laval Kerstin M. , Kwizera Patrick , Winkler Mirko S. 
  
TITLE=Discrimination in medical settings as perceived by forcibly displaced people within low- and middle-income countries: a scoping literature review
  
JOURNAL=Public Health Reviews
  
VOLUME=Volume 47 - 2026
  
YEAR=2026
  
URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/public-health-reviews/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609595
  
DOI=10.3389/phrs.2026.1609595
  
ISSN=2107-6952
  
ABSTRACT=ObjectivesForcibly displaced people are among the most vulnerable populations seeking care. Understanding barriers such as perceived discrimination is critical to ensuring access to high-quality care. This review aims to provide an overview of scientific literature on discrimination faced by forcibly displaced people in healthcare settings in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).MethodsWe searched PubMed and Web of Science for peer-reviewed original studies published between March 2010 and March 2025. Screening, data extraction and reporting followed the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews.ResultsThirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Most (n = 26) applied qualitative methods. Quantitative findings showed that 10%–44% of refugees reported discrimination in healthcare. Qualitative studies described abuse, disparities in care and costs, and negative impacts on mental health and health-seeking behavior related to perceived discrimination.ConclusionThe review revealed significant gaps in research on discrimination against forcibly displaced people in LMICs, emphasizing the urgent need for more robust evidence to inform policymakers. Existing research demonstrates the importance of strengthening health systems, intercultural competence and inclusive policies to ensure respectful, high-quality care for forcibly displaced populations and other migrants.