225406 Social and mental health challenges of urban dwelling Pakistanis in the post 911 era

Monday, November 8, 2010 : 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM

Aisha Siddiqui, MPH , School of Public Health, University of Texas, Houston, TX
Ross Shegog, PhD , Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, Houston, TX
Jane Peranteau, PhD , St. Luke's Episcopal Health Charities, Houston, TX
Background: Since September 11, 2001, Muslim and Middle Eastern immigrant communities in the US have experienced stigma and stereotyping. Hate crimes and mass media characterizations have increased. A large percentage of Muslim immigrants come from Pakistan and have become the victims of harassment and racial profiling. Purpose: To investigate post-911 social and mental health challenges of urban-dwelling Pakistani immigrants living in the United States. Methods: Community based participatory research methods including focus groups (n=7) and individual interviews (n=17) were conducted with Pakistanis living in a large urban community. Discussions focused on family life, community health, cultural expectations, youth issues, and gender concerns. Results: Stereo typing and racial profiling emerged as the number one concern for all age groups throughout the study. Family Life: Pakistanis are divided into first and second generation immigrants. First generation is well settled but the second generation is not as flourishing. Community Health: A large percentage of Pakistanis are self employed and do not have access to healthcare. Cultural Expectations: There is a cultural divergence between Pakistani and American culture and people went further into their shells after 911. Youth issues: Perception of Muslims, stereotyping, and lack of respect were quoted as major concerns for youth. Gender Concerns: Life has changed after 911 and Muslim males, in general, are confronted with difficulties of racial profiling. Most participants conceded that America was a better place for women. Discussion: Identifying key factors in immigrant racial profiling can better inform community health workers about this public health challenge.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Public health or related public policy
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Identify post-911 social and mental health problems of Pakistani immigrants living in the United States

Keywords: Immigrants, Pakistan

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I participated in this project as an intern and co-facilitated it.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.