Access to Healthcare Among US Adult Refugees: A Systematic Qualitative Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Sociology

Background:

• Refugee populations experience significant healthcare access barriers, leading to disparities in health outcomes.
• Social inequities and fragmented healthcare systems in the US may worsen these disparities for refugees.
• Understanding these barriers is crucial for providing equitable care to refugee populations.

Approach:

• A systematic literature review of qualitative studies on US adult refugee healthcare access was conducted (January 2000 - June 2021).
• Studies were analyzed deductively and inductively, incorporating international findings and US-specific themes.
• PRISMA guidelines were followed for systematic review methodology.

Key Points:

• Nine interrelated themes emerged from 64 articles representing over 16 countries of origin.
• Key themes include health literacy, service costs, cultural beliefs, and social support systems.
• Healthcare access challenges stem from the interplay of care fragmentation and adverse social determinants of health.

Conclusions:

• The interaction between fragmented care and social determinants significantly impacts refugee healthcare access.
• Diverse and complex barriers necessitate tailored interventions.
• Integrated care models are recommended for effectively treating refugee populations and improving health equity.