A Mixed-Methods Refugee Community Health Needs and Assets Assessment

Introduction: Many factors may negatively affect the experience of refugees navigating the healthcare system in Philadelphia. These factors include, but are not limited to, lack of familiarity with the healthcare system, language and cultural barriers, limited health literacy, physical and transportation barriers, and fear and/or distrust of the healthcare system. In addition, there are a large proportion of United States refugees in Pennsylvania. According to usnews.com, Pennsylvania was ranked the top 6th state for taking in the most refugees in the year 2017. Objective: The primary objective is to assess the experiences of refugees within the healthcare system since resettlement in Philadelphia. The secondary objective is to use the information gained from our study to implement interventions that may improve navigation of the healthcare system for refugees in Philadelphia. Methods: Quantitative and qualitative survey questions will be administered to participants. These questions will cover experiences directly associated with the healthcare system, as well as participant perceptions of social determinants of health that impact physical and behavioral/mental health such as education, community cohesion/support and employment, community-based services related to food security, housing, and transportation. Quantitative questions will be asked through translated surveys. Qualitative questions are will be administered through 1-on-1 interviews with the assistance of interpreters. The analysis will include a mixed methods approach. Quantitative survey data will use descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, and mean values. Data will be entered into EXCEL and analysis will be done through EXCEL and SPSS. Qualitative data will undergo content analysis. Interviews will be taped, transcribed/translated, and coded vis NVIVO software. Results: Pending Conclusion: Pendin