Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
Volume 25, Issue 1, 2014, Pages 128-141

Refugees in denver and their perceptions of their health and health care (Article)

Elwell D. , Junker S. , Sillau S. , Aagaard E.*
  • a University of Colorado, School of Medicine, United States
  • b University of Colorado, School of Medicine, United States
  • c University of Colorado, School of Medicine, United States
  • d University of Colorado, School of Medicine, United States

Abstract

Background. Colorado receives approximately 2,500 refugees each year from countries all over the world. We assessed the self-perceived health of and barriers to care for refugees in the Denver metro area in order to understand better the needs of this population. Methods. A 61-item questionnaire was completed by a convenience sample of 120 local refugees between June and December of 2009. Results. Only 10% of respondents reported their health as excellent, while 31% rated it as either poor or fair. The most prominent barriers to care included unemployment (91%), language (46%), lack of health insurance (41%), lack of transportation (43%), and distrust of doctors (22%). Conclusions. Our study suggests that refugees in Denver face significant barriers that affect their access to health care. Recommendations include improved job and language skill programs, a health navigator program, and health care provider training on culturally effective care of this population. © Meharry Medical College.

Author Keywords

Health care disparities Refugees Health services accessibility communication barriers

Index Keywords

refugee Sampling Studies human epidemiology Refugees middle aged Self Report statistics and numerical data health status Aged Cross-Sectional Studies United States Young Adult cross-sectional study Humans Adolescent male female questionnaire Questionnaires adult Healthcare Disparities health care disparity Health Services Accessibility health care delivery Colorado
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84893518186&doi=10.1353%2fhpu.2014.0032&partnerID=40&md5=145b90441eadabb1b3d3f4612bb1f5ae
DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2014.0032
ISSN: 10492089
Cited by: 6
Original Language: English