Refugees, Health Management, and Cultural Influence

Abstract

Although the magnitude and increase in refugee’s situation are well recognized, information related to their health management remains limited. Mainly, the influence of culture in refugee health management is lacking. This study, therefore, provides a review of fifty previous researches and explores the barriers which impede the quality care of the refugee population. It discusses the health issues through a case study of the International Institute of Akron in Akron, Ohio. Results show that health management for refugees is primarily affected due to language differences, which impacts patient-physician communication, followed by health beliefs, religious beliefs, and patients’ stereotyping and discrimination.