Relationships Between English Language Proficiency, Health Literacy, and Health Outcomes in Somali Refugees

Overview

Journal J Immigr Minor Health

Publisher Springer

Specialties Public Health
Social Sciences

Date 2018 Jun 17

PMID 29907921

Citations 8

Authors

Jessica E Murphy

Laura Smock

Jo Hunter-Adams

Ziming Xuan

Jennifer Cochran

Michael K Paasche-Orlow

Paul L Geltman

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Little is known about the impacts of health literacy and English proficiency on the health status of Somali refugees. Data came from interviews in 2009-2011 of 411 adult Somali refugees recently resettled in Massachusetts. English proficiency, health literacy, and physical and mental health were measured using the Basic English Skills Test Plus, the Short Test of Health Literacy in Adults, and the Physical and Mental Component Summaries of the Short Form-12. Associations were analyzed using multiple linear regression. In adjusted analyses, higher English proficiency was associated with worse mental health in males. English proficiency was not associated with physical health. Health literacy was associated with neither physical nor mental health. Language proficiency may adversely affect the mental health of male Somali refugees, contrary to findings in other immigrant groups. Research on underlying mechanisms and opportunities to understand this relationship are needed.

Citing Articles

Utilization of Mental Health Counseling Services Among Refugees and Asylum-Seekers in Malaysia.

Brooks M, Mukherjee T, Pillai V, Khoshnood K, Kim R, El-Bassel N Adm Policy Ment Health. 2024; .

PMID: 39601928 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-024-01427-6.

Understanding the Health Literacy Experiences and Practices of Australian-Resettled Myanmar Refugees: Relevance for Nutrition and Dietetics Practice.

Wong C, Lassemillante A, White C, Belski R Nutrients. 2024; 16(18).

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Essex R, Govintharjah P, Issa R, Kalocsanyiova E, Lakika D, Markowski M J Immigr Minor Health. 2024; 26(5):925-935.

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The Impact of Limited English Proficiency on Healthcare Access and Outcomes in the U.S.: A Scoping Review.

Twersky S, Jefferson R, Garcia-Ortiz L, Williams E, Pina C Healthcare (Basel). 2024; 12(3).

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Gendered Health Outcome Among Somali Refugee Youth in Displacement: A Role of Social Support and Religious Belief.

Im H, George N, Swan L J Immigr Minor Health. 2023; 26(2):341-350.

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