Abstract
This Study explores Somali and Ethiopian community leaders’ perceptions about health issues in their communities and the barriers to access and utilization of primary health care services. Fourteen in-depth interviews were conducted with community leaders and thematic analysis was used to analyze interviews. Participants identified chronic diseases, the unhealthy behaviors associated with them, and mental health as major health issues. Infectious diseases were secondarily mentioned as important health concerns. Lack of insurance and limited understanding of the health system were viewed as barriers to utilizing health care services. Other identified needs were: better education within immigrant communities about major health issues, enhanced cultural awareness of health care providers, improved health care access, and assistance with the acculturation process. Recommendations to improve the communities’ health status included enhancing providers' cultural competence, educating immigrants about major health issues, and increasing mental health care access.
Highlights
Findings of research examining immigrants and refugees' health status in their host country describe a better health status of newly arrived foreign-born persons compared to native populations; this is known as "the healthy immigrant effect" or HIE (Walker & Barnett, 2007; Fennelly, 2006; Beiser, 2005; McDonald & Kennedy, 2004)
A total of 14 interviews were conducted with seven Somalis (5 men and 3 women), five Ethiopians (3 men and 2 women), and one (1) American informant, who lived in Somalia for several years and was closely associated with the Somali community and worked with a refugee organization in Central Ohio
Several participants reported that a good number of people in the community suffered with abdominal pains that they attributed to stomach ulcers due to stress
Summary
Findings of research examining immigrants and refugees' health status in their host country describe a better health status of newly arrived foreign-born persons compared to native populations; this is known as "the healthy immigrant effect" or HIE (Walker & Barnett, 2007; Fennelly, 2006; Beiser, 2005; McDonald & Kennedy, 2004). Competitive theories are being evaluated and a clear understanding of factors underpinning the HIE phenomenon has yet to be reached, it is recognized that at their arrival, most immigrants and refugees are healthier overall and have a lower prevalence of chronic diseases than natives in the host country (Fennelly, 2006; Beiser, 2005; Singh & Siahpush, 2001). This HIE advantage does not seem to benefit all immigrant populations . This qualitative investigation seeks to obtain information about major health care needs within Somali and Ethiopian communities from the point of view of their community leaders in order to give these communities a voice in the planning of interventions that could improve their health and wellness
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
