The Health Status and Health Care Affecting African Immigrant Women in the South Bronx and Harlem: A Needs Assessment Study

From the late 1980s to present, many Africans have migrated to the United States seeking employment opportunities. Recent African immigrants may be unlikely to seek medical care, either because of lack of knowledge, undocumented immigration status, and/or a language barrier. In particular, many African immigrant women may be uninsured and may only seek or receive pregnancy-related care. Therefore, research is needed to assess the experiences of African women in seeking and obtaining health care services, and determine what unmet needs exist. The aim of this exploratory study is to gain insight into the health status of African immigrant women, and their experiences in obtaining health care services.

We will conduct focus groups with recent and non-recent adult African women who were born and raised in the continent of Africa.

The goal of the study is to gain insight into the health perceptions, health seeking and health care experiences of African immigrant women in the urban setting by exploring

a. What they view as the major diseases that are affecting them and other family members;

b. Their responses to their own symptoms and those of family members, and the factors that influence whether they actually attempt to obtain care;

c. Whether they have access to free or low-cost health insurance or health care;

d. Whether their length of residence in the US or Western Europe, or educational and occupational status prior to migrating affects their perceived health status and their use of care.

e. What health services they are receiving, and believe they need;

f. What are their expectations and definitions of good health and good health care;