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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health 3/2019

01-06-2019 | Original Paper

Relationships Between English Language Proficiency, Health Literacy, and Health Outcomes in Somali Refugees

Authors: Jessica E. Murphy, Laura Smock, Jo Hunter-Adams, Ziming Xuan, Jennifer Cochran, Michael K. Paasche-Orlow, Paul L. Geltman

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health | Issue 3/2019

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Abstract

Little is known about the impacts of health literacy and English proficiency on the health status of Somali refugees. Data came from interviews in 2009–2011 of 411 adult Somali refugees recently resettled in Massachusetts. English proficiency, health literacy, and physical and mental health were measured using the Basic English Skills Test Plus, the Short Test of Health Literacy in Adults, and the Physical and Mental Component Summaries of the Short Form-12. Associations were analyzed using multiple linear regression. In adjusted analyses, higher English proficiency was associated with worse mental health in males. English proficiency was not associated with physical health. Health literacy was associated with neither physical nor mental health. Language proficiency may adversely affect the mental health of male Somali refugees, contrary to findings in other immigrant groups. Research on underlying mechanisms and opportunities to understand this relationship are needed.
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Metadata
Title
Relationships Between English Language Proficiency, Health Literacy, and Health Outcomes in Somali Refugees
Authors
Jessica E. Murphy
Laura Smock
Jo Hunter-Adams
Ziming Xuan
Jennifer Cochran
Michael K. Paasche-Orlow
Paul L. Geltman
Publication date
01-06-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-018-0765-y

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