Predictors of Chronic Debilitating Conditions Among Refugees Resettled in the United States

Abstract

Refugees who have resettled in the United States encounter numerous challenges, including poor health conditions. However, knowledge of risk factors contributing to chronic debilitating conditions among refugees is scarce. Therefore, this study examined the prevalence and potential factors associated with chronic debilitating conditions within the U.S. refugee population. This study utilized secondary data from the 2019 Annual Survey of Refugees (ASR) involving 1007 refugees aged 16 years or older resettled in the U.S. between 2014 and 2018. The prevalence estimates were obtained using chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression was used to determine the significant association between predictor variables and chronic debilitating conditions for refugees in the United States. About 25.5% of the refugees reported having chronic debilitating conditions. Regression results showed that being an older refugee and having adjusted immigration status to become a permanent resident was associated with higher odds of reporting chronic debilitating conditions. However, refugees who were currently working, married, and with good English language proficiency were associated with a lower likelihood of reporting chronic debilitating conditions. Gender and education levels of refugees were not significantly associated with chronic debilitating conditions after covariates adjustments. Interventions should focus on increasing access to education, employment opportunities to enhance health literacy, and financial resources to access healthcare crucial for mitigating chronic debilitating conditions. In addition, addressing the language barriers through language and interpretation services in clinical settings can also improve healthcare access, thus reducing the risk of chronic debilitating conditions among refugees resettled in the United States. Keywords: Chronic debilitating conditions, English proficiency, Immigration, Refugees, United States.