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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health 6/2011

01-12-2011 | Original Paper

Navigating a New Health Culture: Experiences of Immigrant Hispanic Women

Authors: Ana C. Sanchez-Birkhead, Holly Powell Kennedy, Lynn Clark Callister, Teresa Paredes Miyamoto

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health | Issue 6/2011

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Abstract

According to many reports, time in the United States negatively affects the health of Hispanic immigrants. However, little is known about the role of traditional health beliefs and practices in immigrants’ underutilization of the US health care system. This descriptive, qualitative study utilized narrative interviews with 20 foreign-born Hispanic women of childbearing age to gain a better understanding of their existing health beliefs, health promotion practices, past health care experiences, and transition into a new society and health care system. Demographic data and scores on the short acculturation scale for Hispanics were also analyzed. Results highlight the importance of female social support for Hispanic women in making health care decisions; their dual use of US medical intervention and home and herbal remedies; and perceived racial discrimination on their health-care seeking behaviors and adherence to treatment modalities. Recommendations are included for professionals who provide health care to immigrant Hispanic women and their families.
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Metadata
Title
Navigating a New Health Culture: Experiences of Immigrant Hispanic Women
Authors
Ana C. Sanchez-Birkhead
Holly Powell Kennedy
Lynn Clark Callister
Teresa Paredes Miyamoto
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health / Issue 6/2011
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-010-9369-x

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