Multicultural Screening and Assessment of Immigrants & Refugees

Approximately 37.6 million people living in the US are foreign born with the majority being naturalized immigrants, non-citizen legalized immigrants, and undocumented immigrants. Refugees are among this group with NC having a rich history of hosting refugees from all over the world. The Center for New North Carolinians estimates that Guilford County has one of the largest and most diverse population of immigrants and refugees in NC with populations from Asia, Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, Russia, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Immigrant and refugee populations are often hesitant and resistant in seeking medical attention. They often to do not take advantage of primary prevention and screening opportunities to manage disease earlier. Many, after being in the US for years, still have much difficulty communicating in English. Likewise, they are fearful of western medicine. In an effort to engage the community and provide services for underserved populations, the AGNP program had students participate in screening programs with groups from Eastern Europe, Russia, Asia, Vietnam, and Africa. Screenings included BMI, BP, Glucose, HgbA1C, and Cholesterol. Anecdotally, it was found that cultures differed in how they interpreted their findings, changed behaviors, took prescribed medications, and maintained follow up appointments. Students were always well-received and the participant’s seemed interested in their health and agreeable to making necessary changes. For nurses to use simple assessments to determine modifiable risks, and then have participant’s make necessary changes, provides evidence of benefits that are of considerable value to the patient.