Utilization, satisfaction and barriers to access of health services for Arabic-speaking refugees resettled in Connecticut, USA after completion of Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)

Abstract

Background: Arabic-speaking refugees are the largest group of resettled persons in the United States since 2008, yet little is known about their rates of healthcare access, utilization and satisfaction. Methods: From January to December 2019, a household survey was conducted of Arabic-speaking refugees resettled in CT. Data collected included demographics, prevalence of chronic conditions, patterns of health seeking behavior, insurance status and patient satisfaction using the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-18). Results: Sixty-five households responded to the survey representing 295 Arabic-speaking refugees-of which 141 (48%) were children. Forty-seven households (72%) reported members with chronic conditions, 62 persons (21%) needed daily medication, 285 (97%) persons were insured. Respondents reported high median patient satisfaction with wide variation. Conclusion: Arabic-speaking refugees resettled in CT are young but have similar adult rates of chronic medical conditions as the host community. They majority remained insured after RMA lapsed. They expressed median high satisfaction with health services but with wide variation. Inaccessibility of health services in Arabic and difficulty obtaining medications remain areas in need of improvement.