Immigrant and Refugee Explanatory Models of Chronic Disease: Provider “Learning Up” for Culturally Responsive Care

Abstract

Immigrant and refugee populations in North Carolina bring with them traditionally based explanatory models (EMs) of disease that influence health care interactions. Providers who encounter these models are often challenged with how best to leverage them for prevention outreach and care. Participation in “learning up” opportunities increases provider awareness and capacity for cultural responsiveness when dealing with immigrant and refugee clients.