| Learning Objective #1: Explain various health care practices that influence health behaviors of a group of Russian immigrants | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Describe alternative approaches to health care for immigrants |
Objective: Existing literature indicates that there are significant inequalities in health status indicators and health care resources between many FSU/East European countries and the west. If these indicators are compounded with the stress and displacement of immigration, non-traditional health practices, and unfamiliar health care resources in their new location, many immigrants may find themselves at risk for compromised health status.
Sample/Methods: The population of interest for this study was foreign born residents of the U.S. – Mexico border region who had immigrated from East European/FSU countries. A snowball sampling procedure was used to obtain 12 participants during 2001 and 2002. This study was a naturalistic inquiry, using taped interviews with immigrants to obtain the data, continuing until saturation of data was reached. Semi-structured interview questions were used to obtain information about pre-existing and current health status, traditional self-care practices, and experiences with the health care system in the U.S. as compared to health care system experiences in their native country. Interview tapes were transcribed verbatim and analyzed for key information, themes, and patterns.
Findings: Whether more recently arrived or having passed through a transitional period of establishing a new residence and lifestyle, these immigrants have varying levels of retaining their native culture and integrating with traditional American culture. Depending on their experiences, immigrant groups may experience confusion and/or frustration with health care providers and the health care system in their “new” home.
Conclusions/Implications: While conclusions cannot be widely generalized, the findings from this study indicate that self-care practices, either traditional or newly acquired, are based upon the quality of experiences with health care providers and the health care system. Participants further indicate that self-care and health promoting activities can be better facilitated with culturally aware or sensitive care.
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