Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
Volume 27, Issue 1, 2016, Pages 252-260

Cultural health assets of somali and oromo refugees and immigrants in minnesota: Findings from a community-based participatory research project (Article)

Lightfoot E.* , Blevins J. , Lum T. , Dube A.
  • a School of Social Work, University of Minnesota, United States
  • b School of Social Work, University of Minnesota, United States
  • c Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • d Brian Coyle Center, Pillsbury United Communities, United States

Abstract

This community-based participatory research study sought to identify the cultural health assets of the Somali and Oromo communities in one Minnesota neighborhood that could be mobilized to develop culturally appropriate health interventions. Community asset mappers conducted 76 interviews with Somali and Oromo refugees in in Minnesota regarding the cultural assets of their community. A community-university data analysis team coded data for major themes. Key cultural health assets of the Somali and Oromo refugee communities revealed in this study include religion and religious beliefs, religious and cultural practices, a strong culture of sharing, interconnectedness, the prominence of oral traditions, traditional healthy eating and healthy lifestyles, traditional foods and medicine, and a strong cultural value placed on health. These cultural health assets can be used as building blocks for culturally relevant health interventions. © Meharry Medical College.

Author Keywords

emigrants and immigrants culture Health promotion health disparities Eastern Asset-based community development Refugees Cultural health assets Community-based participatory research Africa

Index Keywords

cultural value immigrant lifestyle refugee human Refugees eating Minnesota religion United States Humans migrant Emigrants and Immigrants cultural factor Somalia participatory research Community-Based Participatory Research Cultural Characteristics Health Services Accessibility health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85000401561&doi=10.1353%2fhpu.2016.0023&partnerID=40&md5=b6f4242e2dee9e457810a282c275f877
DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2016.0023
ISSN: 10492089
Cited by: 5
Original Language: English