Resumo

MAJEE, Wilson; DINBABO, Mulugeta F.; ILE, Isioma  e  BELEBEMA, Michael. African Immigrant and Refugee Families' Perceptions on Informational Support and Health Status: A Comparison of African Immigrants Living in South Africa and the United States. AHMR [online]. 2019, vol.5, n.3, pp.1696-1716. ISSN 2410-7972.

The relationship between migration and health is complex, and its impact varies considerably among individuals, across migrant groups, and from country to country. Although African immigration to the United States (U.S.) and South Africa has increased rapidly over the past two decades, little is known about the health experiences of this growing population even though conditions surrounding the migration process have been found to increase vulnerability to ill health. The aim of this study is to examine and compare the perceptions of African refugees and immigrants to South Africa and the U.S. on informational support and its impact on health status. Data was collected from purposively selected 62 African immigrants to the United States and 66 African immigrants to South Africa using the PROMIS Global Health v12 and the PROMIS Item Bank v2.0 (informational support) instruments which assess an individual's general physical, mental and social health. Participants were selected based on their country of origin and immigration status in the country of residence. We developed a Health Perception Index (HPI) and Information Support Index (ISI) as a composite of the measures of the response to health questions and how information support contributes to migrants' overall health status. In addition, we conducted Chi Square test to assess if there was any difference between the indicators in terms of association of the two cities. African immigrants to South Africa reported that they were very satisfied with the South African Health Services offered to migrants, contrary to those in the U.S. healthcare. The evidence indicates that migrants in South Africa seem to have a better HPI index compared to those in the U.S. In general, there was no difference in the challenges faced by these immigrants in accessing relevant information to enable them to improve their socio-economic conditions in destination countries. Access to healthcare services remains a major challenge for most migrants. Given that countries rely on formal documentation for access to information and healthcare services, governments could institute special medical and information support structures that cater specifically for refugees and asylum seekers, as well as undocumented immigrants, in the course of waiting for formal recognition in the state. In order to improve African immigrant and refugee families' access and utilization of healthcare services, policies and programs that seek to address social determinants of health and tap into culturally relevant networking, collaborative approaches are needed.

Palavras-chave : Migration; health; refugee; immigrant; social Services; South Africa; United States.

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