Immigrant Women's Health Promotion Behaviors

Few studies examined immigrant and refugee populations from the former Soviet Union (FSU) and their health promotion behaviors. This study investigated the relationships among population characteristics (age, acculturation, months in the US, medical insurance), health promotion behaviors (mammography, Pap smear, self breast exam), and health outcomes (perceived health status) among women from the FSU. A descriptive correlational design with cross-sectional methodology was used. Andersen's (1995) Behavioral Model was the conceptual framework used to guide this stuy. A convenience sample of 99 participants 18 years of age and older was obtained from a community center for refugees and immigrants. The Demographic Information for Immigrants from the Former Soviet Union Survey (DIFSU) and the Language, Identity, and Behavior Acculturation Survey (LIB) were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Significant findings included younger women were more likely to go for a Pap smear (r= -.265, P< .008) and consider their health status as good or excellent (r= -.550, P<.000); those with better American language skills were more likely to conduct breast self exam (r=.214, p<.037) but considered their health status as poor or fair (r= -.273, p< .006); having insurance was positively correlated with having a Pap smear (r=.205, p<.043); the longer immigrant women were in the US, the more likely they were to receive a mammogram (r=.284, p<.048). The model correctly classified 63.8% of the cases. The Wald statistic indicated that age and American language acculturation significantly predicted health status. The FSU health care system is described as one that fosters dependence of citizens on their physicians and one that creates a “culture clash” for immigrants in understanding individual responsibility for health. The findings indicate the need for early interventions to achieve positive health outcomes. Health behaviors are learned behaviors that can be changed when appropriate interventions are in place to minimize barriers and assist immigrants understanding of the life saving value of health promotion activities