Physical and Mental Health Status of Iraqi Refugees Resettled in the United States

Abstract

Background We conducted a survey among Iraqi refugees resettled in the United States to assess their physical and mental health status and healthcare access and utilization following the initial eight month, post-arrival period. Methods We randomly selected Iraqi refugees: ≥18 years of age; living in the United States for 8 to 36 months; and residents of Michigan, California, Texas and Idaho. Participants completed a household questionnaire and mental health assessment. Results We distributed 366 surveys. Seventy-five percent of participants had health insurance at the time of the survey; 43% reported delaying or not seeking care for a medical problem in the past year. Sixty percent of participants reported one chronic condition; 37% reported ≥2 conditions. The prevalence of emotional distress, anxiety, and depression was approximately 50% of participants; 31% were at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. Conclusions Iraqi refugees in this evaluation reported a high prevalence of chronic conditions and mental health symptoms despite relatively high access to healthcare. It is important for resettlement partners to be aware of the distinctive health concerns of this population to best address needs within this community.

High Manifestations of Mental Distress in Arabic Asylum Seekers Accommodated in Collective Centers for Refugees in Germany

“…In comparison to other studies about refugees from Syria [12,13,14] and Iraq [15,16], we found consistent results. Compared to studies from Germany [17,18,19], we found similar or higher levels of mental distress.…”

Determinants of resource needs and utilization among refugees over time

“…Of these, the need for translation assistance, medical care, and dental care never dropped below 87%. Upon arrival to the U.S., refugees currently are provided 8 months of subsidized health and dental insurance [19], yet Iraqi refugees frequently lacked access to medical care in Iraq and, thus, often have poor health upon entering the U.S. [6]. As such, their health care and dental needs appear to require more than 8 months of coverage in the U.S.…”

“…Previous cross-sectional research has found that refugees report a high need for physical and mental health care [4–8], financial support [5,7], translation/language assistance [6,8], and aid in securing safe housing [3]. Throughout this article we refer to these as institutional resources .…”

Clinical vignettes and global health considerations of infertility care in under-resourced patients

“…While refugees come from all over the globe, they universally struggle with chronic illnesses [37], mental health issues [38], untreated infectious diseases [39], nutrition-related diseases [40], substance abuse [41], and a comorbid combination of any of these conditions [42]. Refugees are further disadvantaged by having less access to necessary healthcare in their countries of origin that impact acquired causes of infertility, such as antibiotic treatments for sexually transmitted infections and corrections of fistulas that occur during and/or after unattended childbirth [43].…”