Similar to many cities in the US, the Greater Cincinnati area has recently had an increase in immigrants from other countries. In particular, there is a small but growing population of West African immigrants especially from Senegal and Mauritania. In order to better understand children's health of West African families in the Cincinnati area, in-depth, in-home narrative interviews were conducted with ten West African immigrant parents from Senegal and Mauritania. Four salient themes about cultural information related to children's health were derived from the qualitative analysis: (1) health care practice and expectations including barriers; (2) cultural values and identity; (3) health beliefs and traditions/customs; and (4) quality of life. It is essential that health care providers understand the nuances of working with West African immigrants including cultural differences, strengths, challenges and perceptions in order to provide these individuals with the most effective health care services. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

culture families Health beliefs health care West African

Parents Social Values social psychology Ohio psychological aspect human middle aged statistics Mauritania ethnology qualitative research interview quality of life Young Adult United States Senegal family Humans Adolescent parent Interviews as Topic Emigrants and Immigrants Child Welfare cultural factor Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article adult migration Cultural Characteristics Healthcare Disparities health care disparity attitude to health Health Services Accessibility health care delivery Child