Health Status, Health Insurance, and Health Care Utilization Patterns of Immigrant Black Men

Abstract

Objectives. This study sought to describe the health status, health insurance, and health care utilization patterns of the growing population of immigrant Black men. Methods. We used data from the 1997–2000 National Health Interview Survey to examine and then compare health variables of foreign-born Black men with those of US-born Black and White men. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine health outcomes. Results. Foreign-born Black men were in better overall health than their US-born Black counterparts and were much less likely than either US-born Black or White men to report adverse health behaviors. Despite these health advantages, foreign-born Black men were more likely than either US-born Black or White men to be uninsured. Conclusions. In the long term, immigrant Black men who are in poor health may be adversely affected by lack of health care coverage.

Physical and Mental Health Characteristics of U.S. and Foreign-Born Adults: United States, 1998-2003

“…The prevalence of chronic diseases such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases was also lower among immigrant black adults than their native-born counterparts. These findings are consistent with the results of previous studies on immigrant black adults (8,20,21).…”

“…''Not poor'' persons have incomes that are 200% of the poverty threshold or greater. 8 MSA is metropolitan statistical area. 9 Includes only those persons who were not born in the United States.…”

“…These contacts may include office visits, hospital visits, home visits, and phone calls (but not calls made for arranging appoinments). 8 Number of doctor visits is based on a question in the survey that asked respondents, ''During the past 12 months, how many times have you seen a doctor or other health care professional about your own health at a doctor's office, a clinic, or some other place?'' Respondents are instructed to exclude overnight hospitalizations, visits to hospital emergency rooms, home visits, or telephone calls.…”

“…Previously published studies have examined various health outcomes for immigrants, including health status, health insurance, and health care utilization (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)12). Almost all of these studies compared immigrants' health with their native-born counterparts and demonstrated disparities in health and access to care (5)(6)(7)(8)9,12). Other studies of health measures such as self-assessed health, bed disability days, functional limitations, and chronic conditions have also shown that generally, immigrants fare better than their native-born counterparts (5-6,9-10).…”

“…Other studies of health measures such as self-assessed health, bed disability days, functional limitations, and chronic conditions have also shown that generally, immigrants fare better than their native-born counterparts (5-6,9-10). However, some studies have also indicated that despite higher rates of education and employment, immigrants were more likely to be without health insurance than their U.S.-born counterparts (7)(8)(11)(12).…”