Health information-seeking behavior among Congolese refugees

Abstract

Background The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the extent to which Congolese refugees seek health information, to identify and assess the resources used while exercising Health Information-Seeking Behavior (HISB), and to identify individual determinants that affect their HISB. Methodology Building Bridges program participants who resided in Texas between 2017–2020, reported country of origin as Democratic Republic of Congo, and responded to HISB questions were included in this study. Four HISB questions asked about frequency seeking health information, preferred source and perceived trustworthiness of source, and frequency worrying about their health. Associations between HISB and sociodemographic factors (age, gender, education years, years in US, proficiency speaking English, marital status) were tested using Pearson chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests (α≤0.05). Results Most participants (59%) reported seeking health information sometimes. Less than half (44%) of participants identified doctors as their preferred source of health information, Twenty-five percent relied on family, friends, and community leaders, and 23% used media sources. Doctors were identified as the most trustworthy source (71%), family and friends were the second highest trusted source (25%), whereas media sources were the least trusted (4%). Sociodemographic factors age (p = .02), gender (p < .01), and education years (p < .01) were the only significant predictors of preferred information sources. Conversely, those residing in US <5 years were more likely to seek health information more frequently (p = .01). The majority of participants did not worry about their health, and it was not significantly associated with source or frequency of seeking health information. Conclusions The high trust in doctors represents an opportunity for healthcare professionals to educate and address individual barriers contributing to refugees’ underutilization of preventive care services such as routine immunizations and preventive health screenings.

“Too Many Jobs and Not Enough Hands”: Immigrant and Refugee Community Health Workers at the Frontlines of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Several riCHWs were asked to develop resources for local agencies and clinics, revealing a lack of local capacity to disseminate rapid health information, including to frontline health workers responsible for communicating health information and debunking myths. However, it is also important to note here that lack of trust in official sources of health information (e.g., government media releases or websites) is a documented barrier to health information-seeking among immigrant and refugee populations (e.g., Healey et al, 2022; Kubisa, 2021; Longanga Diese et al, 2022). Moreover, guidelines that seek to change health behaviors are meaningless in contexts wherein such guidance is not only not enforced but actively discouraged by employers (e.g., lack of employer protections; Tippens & Springer, 2021).…”

Determinants of Vaccination Coverage Among Refugee Children Aged 12-59 Months in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Uganda

“…This result could be attributed to historical factors, cultural practices, or variations in health-seeking behaviors among different refugee populations(28). A related study emphasized that most Congolese refugees frequently seek health information, which could explain why they are more likely to fully vaccinate their children (29). Further research and targeted interventions guided by culturally sensitive approaches are imperative to unravel the complexities underlying this nding and to enhance vaccination coverage across diverse refugee populations.…”

Determinants of Vaccination Coverage Among Refugee Children Aged 12-59 Months in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Uganda

“…Congolese refugees frequently seek health information, which could explain why they are more likely to fully vaccinate their children (29)…”