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Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health 5/2015

01-10-2015 | Original paper

Factors Associated with Healthcare Utilization Among Arab Immigrants and Iraqi Refugees

Authors: D. Elsouhag, B. Arnetz, H. Jamil, M. A. Lumley, C. L. Broadbridge, J. Arnetz

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health | Issue 5/2015

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Abstract

Arab migrants—both immigrants and refugees—are exposed to pre- and post- migration stressors increasing their risk for health problems. Little is known, however, about rates of, or factors associated with, healthcare utilization among these two groups. A sample of 590 participants were interviewed approximately 1 year post-migration to the United States. Factors associated with healthcare utilization, including active and passive coping strategies, were examined using logistic regressions. Compared to national healthcare utilization data, immigrants had significantly lower, and refugees had significantly higher rates of healthcare utilization. Being a refugee, being married, and having health insurance were significantly associated with medical service utilization. Among refugees, less use of psychological services was associated with the use of medications and having problem-focused (active) strategies for dealing with stress. Healthcare utilization was significantly higher among refugees, who also reported a greater need for services than did immigrants.
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Metadata
Title
Factors Associated with Healthcare Utilization Among Arab Immigrants and Iraqi Refugees
Authors
D. Elsouhag
B. Arnetz
H. Jamil
M. A. Lumley
C. L. Broadbridge
J. Arnetz
Publication date
01-10-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health / Issue 5/2015
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-014-0119-3

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