Almost 500,000 Southeast Asian refugees have arrived in the United States since 1975. While these refugees have not presented substantial public health problems, they have important personal health problems frequently requiring medical attention. Medical care providers in this country need to be aware of disease patterns and prevalence among these refugees. As well, they need to be aware of the cultural and religious backgrounds and previous medical practices of this refugee population, particularly as these practices influence the refugees’ ability to obtain and maintain medical services provided in this country. Historical, cultural, religious, ethical, and medical information is provided to help US health care facilities develop culturally appropriate medical care services for Southeast Asian refugees. © 1982, American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

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Short Survey cultural anthropology refugee Interpersonal Relations methodology human ethics Refugees Health Services, Indigenous geographic distribution religion Attitude of Health Personnel United States male Medicine, Traditional Acculturation female socioeconomics Indonesia therapy prevention health care ethnic or racial aspects Social Adjustment attitude to health Asia, Southeastern