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. 2024 Jun;26(3):434-442.
doi: 10.1007/s10903-023-01580-4. Epub 2023 Dec 18.

Self-reported Disability Among Recently Resettled Refugees in the United States: Results from the National Annual Survey of Refugees

Mehak Kaur  1   2 , Lily Kamalyan  3   4 , Dania Abubaker  4   2 , Rawan Alheresh  5 , Tala Al-Rousan  6
Affiliations

Self-reported Disability Among Recently Resettled Refugees in the United States: Results from the National Annual Survey of Refugees

Mehak Kaur et al. J Immigr Minor Health. 2024 Jun.

Abstract

The prevalence rates and correlates of mental or physical disability among recently resettled refugees, who undergo strenuous journeys before arriving in the US, remain unknown, masking potential health disparities. Self-reported disability was measured by the 2018 Annual Survey of Refugees (ASR), and defined as having a physical, mental, or other health condition for more than 6 months that precluded one from working. Prevalence rates of self-reported disability and sample correlates were investigated using descriptive and logistic regression analyses. Of N = 4259 participating refugees in ASR (Mean Age = 28.2, SD = 17.2; 52.5% male), 2875 responded to the disability question and 21.4% reported disability. About 33.7% were born in the Middle East region, 29.5% had no formal education, and 35% had an income of less than $15,000. Age (OR = 1.06, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [1.06,1.07], p < 0.001), region of birth (OR = 1.82, 95% CI [1.31, 2.51], p < 0.001), employment status (OR = 3.31, 95% CI [2.67, 4.11], p < 0.001), and receiving food stamps (OR = 2.09, 95% CI [1.66, 2.62], p < 0.001) were associated with self-reported disability. Disability levels among refugees recently resettled in the United States are comparable to national disability rates in the US. Our results suggest that multiple aspects of the refugee experience (i.e., demographics, socioeconomic status, contextual migration history) need to be considered to understand the risk for health outcomes. Future investigations of disabilities in diverse refugee populations over time and tailored public health interventions to mitigate potential risk factors are warranted to promote health equity.

Keywords: Annual Survey of Refugees (ASR); Disability; Healthcare Access; Mental Health; Refugee.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Self-Reported disability by arrival year and country of birth
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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