Ethnicity and Health Among Five Middle Eastern Immigrant Groups

Abstract

The relationships among immigration, ethnic identity, and health were investigated in subjects who emigrated from the Middle East to the United States. Egyptian, Yemeni, Iranian, Armenian, and Arab immigrants (N = 88) were interviewed to determine the relationship among ethnic group (country/culture of origin), strength of ethnic identity (four factors and perceived ethnic identity), and mental and physical health (perceived health, physical and psychological symptoms, and morale). The findings show significant differences among the five groups on cultural attitudes, social attitudes, family orientation, the number of physical symptoms, the number of psychological symptoms, perceived health status and positive morale. Subjects who perceived themselves to be more traditionally ethnic tended to have more physical symptoms and less positive morale. Ethnic group accounted for a significant percentage of variance in positive morale and perceived health status. Ethnic identity accounted for a significant proportion of variance in physical symptoms. The results support the need for considering ethnic identity as well as country of origin in providing care for clients.