Barriers to accessing preventive health care among African-born individuals in King County, Washington: A qualitative study involving key informants
Open Access
- 10 May 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Public Library of Science (PLoS) in PLOS ONE
- Vol. 16 (5), e0250800
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0250800
Abstract
Studies of African immigrant health in the U.S. have traditionally focused on infectious diseases. However, the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) indicates the increasing importance of general preventive health care. As part of a series of community health events designed for African-born individuals in King County, Washington, we administered key informant interviews (KIIs) with 16 health event participants, medical professionals, and community leaders to identify barriers and facilitators to use of preventive health care among African-born individuals. We used descriptive thematic analysis to organize barriers according to the socio-ecological model. Within the individual domain, KII participants identified lack of knowledge and awareness of preventive health benefits as barriers to engagement in care. Within the interpersonal domain, language and cultural differences frequently complicated relationships with health care providers. Within the societal and policy domains, healthcare costs, lack of insurance, and structural racism were also reported as major barriers. Participants identified community outreach with culturally competent and respectful providers as key elements of interventions to improve uptake. In conclusion, African immigrant communities face several barriers, ranging from individual to policy levels, to accessing health services, resulting in substantial unmet need for chronic disease prevention and treatment. Community-centered and -led care may help facilitate uptake and engagement in care.Funding Information
- Center for AIDS Research, University of Washington (P30 AI027757)
- Institute of Translational Health Sciences, University of Washington (UL1 TR002319)
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (K23AI120855)
This publication has 45 references indexed in Scilit:
- Barriers to Health Care Access Faced by Black Immigrants in the US: Theoretical Considerations and RecommendationsJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 2013
- Realist review to understand the efficacy of culturally appropriate diabetes education programmesDiabetic Medicine, 2013
- Disparities in Preventive Health Services Among Somali Immigrants and RefugeesJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 2012
- East African immigrant children in Australia have poor immunisation coverageJournal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 2011
- HIV-Related Stigma among African Immigrants Living with HIV/AIDS in USASociological Research Online, 2010
- West African Immigrant Families from Mauritania and Senegal in Cincinnati: A Cultural Primer on Children’s HealthJournal of Community Health, 2009
- African Immigrant HealthJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 2009
- Immigrants And Health Care: Sources Of VulnerabilityHealth Affairs, 2007
- Whatever happened to qualitative description?Research in Nursing & Health, 2000
- An Ecological Perspective on Health Promotion ProgramsHealth Education Quarterly, 1988