Health assessment of the Arab American community in southwest Brooklyn

Data on Arab American health is lacking nationwide. Like other immigrants, Arab Americans' ability to receive appropriate healthcare may be affected by culture, language, socioeconomic factors, and insurance status. The goal of this survey was to gather demographic information about the Arab American community in Brooklyn and assess perceptions of health status, needs, behaviors, and access to services. In spring 2008, male and female English/Arabic bilingual surveyors, both Christian and Muslim, ranging in age from 16 to 55 years administered a structured survey to community members in public gathering places throughout southwest Brooklyn. Participants were given a small gift. Of 353 surveyed, 43% were men and 57% women, most spoke Arabic and were Muslim, and most had moved to the U.S. after 1990. One third did not complete high school. Women and men were on par in education, but only 8% of those employed full time were female. A quarter was unemployed. Over 50% reported household incomes below federal poverty level. Nearly 30% had no health insurance. 58% reported choosing their health care venue based on language considerations. 43% reported problems in getting health care, including ability to pay, language barriers, and immigration. 42% of men reported current smoking, and 8% of women. Almost half of respondents never exercised. Rates of poverty, lack of health insurance, and smoking in men are cause for concern and were high even for immigrant groups. Type and usage of tobacco products among Arab Americans is not well documented nor well understood by researchers.