An investigation of Somali women's beliefs, practices, and attitudes, about health, health promoting behaviors and cancer prevention

Previous research has shown that recent immigrants and refugees face social, cultural, and financial barriers in terms of access to preventative care in the United States.  According to the Migration Policy Institute, Somali immigrants are one of the fastest growing immigrant populations in the United States.  Although there is a growing literature base on immigrant health in the United States, the literature on Somali immigrants' health and cancer prevention is less developed.  Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study is to examine Somali women's perception of health and access to care, examine their knowledge and attitudes about cancer prevention, and discuss strategies including the use of technology (e.g. Facebook, mobile texting) to improves service provision and education. 

Using a multidisciplinary approach, twelve face-to-face interviews were conducted with Somali women ages 18 and older, residing in Columbus, OH metropolitan area.  Open coding was used to categorize and reflect the interview statements.  Three researchers coded the data and identified reoccurring themes.  Findings indicated that Somali women are concerned about a variety of health issues including chronic diseases, mental health, reproductive health, access to health care, and receiving cultural sensitive health care.  Somali participants cited the role of culture and religion in developing prevention strategies and emphasized the use of religious leaders, health care advocates, oral traditions, and translators in providing culturally appropriate health care services.