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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health 6/2014

01-12-2014 | Original Paper

Physical and Mental Health Status of Iraqi Refugees Resettled in the United States

Authors: Eboni M. Taylor, Emad A. Yanni, Clelia Pezzi, Michael Guterbock, Erin Rothney, Elizabeth Harton, Jessica Montour, Collin Elias, Heather Burke

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health | Issue 6/2014

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Abstract

We conducted a survey among Iraqi refugees resettled in the United States to assess their physical and mental health status and healthcare access and utilization following the initial 8-month, post-arrival period. We randomly selected Iraqi refugees: ≥18 years of age; living in the United States for 8–36 months; and residents of Michigan, California, Texas and Idaho. Participants completed a household questionnaire and mental health assessment. We distributed 366 surveys. Seventy-five percent of participants had health insurance at the time of the survey; 43 % reported delaying or not seeking care for a medical problem in the past year. Sixty percent of participants reported one chronic condition; 37 % reported ≥2 conditions. The prevalence of emotional distress, anxiety, and depression was approximately 50 % of participants; 31 % were at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. Iraqi refugees in this evaluation reported a high prevalence of chronic conditions and mental health symptoms despite relatively high access to healthcare. It is important for resettlement partners to be aware of the distinctive health concerns of this population to best address needs within this community.
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Metadata
Title
Physical and Mental Health Status of Iraqi Refugees Resettled in the United States
Authors
Eboni M. Taylor
Emad A. Yanni
Clelia Pezzi
Michael Guterbock
Erin Rothney
Elizabeth Harton
Jessica Montour
Collin Elias
Heather Burke
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health / Issue 6/2014
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-013-9893-6

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