Health-seeking cultural patterns in the use of available healthcare services among refugee groups in south-central Kentucky
International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care
ISSN: 1747-9894
Article publication date: 2 March 2020
Issue publication date: 2 March 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Refugees resettle in the USA every year to escape genocide, famine, civil wars and crises in their countries. The diverse cultural identities of the refugee population in south-central Kentucky make it essential to research into their health-care usage patterns. The purpose of this study is to examine the health-seeking patterns of refugees in relation to their culture and the usage of available health services.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a descriptive correlational study that culled 110 refugees who completed self-administered or interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaires. Questionnaires were translated into four different languages. T-tests and ANOVA assessed differences between variables.
Findings
Findings indicate that a demographic factor such as refugees’ nationality plays a role in both the access and use of health services [F (5, 98) = 4.29, p < 0.001]. Refugees’ beliefs and social factors such as acculturation (t = −2.03, p < 0.04) and having health insurance (t = −3.35, p <0.001) also affect the use of health services. The level of cultural competency of the health-care facility or provider as depicted by the presence of interpreters (t = 1.92, p < 0.05) was associated with increased use of the health services provided.
Research limitations/implications
The sample of refugees is only representative of the general refugee population in south-central Kentucky; hence, there is inadequate generalization.
Originality/value
Cultural diversity should be included in the health and policymaking debates that surround the refugee population of south-central Kentucky to ensure their well-being.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was the collaborative efforts of individuals at the International Center, ARIKY and Community Action of Bowling Green who were willing to disseminate and cull information from their various wards.
Citation
Ejike, C., Lartey, G., Capps, R. and Ciochetty, D. (2020), "Health-seeking cultural patterns in the use of available healthcare services among refugee groups in south-central Kentucky", International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, Vol. 16 No. 1, pp. 12-21. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMHSC-08-2018-0051
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited