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Abstract This study examined perceived discrimination and its relationship with health outcomes, including chronic illnesses and mental health problems, among refugees resettled in Ohio. Using a cross-sectional design, an online survey was conducted from November 2023 to February 2024, with a total sample of 478. Participants were adults (≥18) from five major refugee communities in Ohio: Afghan, Bhutanese, Congolese, Ethiopian/Eritrean, and Somali. Perceived discrimination was measured using the everyday discrimination Scale (EDS), while mental health symptoms were assessed with the PHQ-4. Chronic morbidity was captured through self-reported physician-diagnosed conditions. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess relationships between discrimination and health outcomes, adjusting for demographic, social, and healthcare access variables. Approximately 28.8% reported having at least one chronic condition, and 23.0% screened positive for mental health problems. Perceived discrimination was prevalent, with over a quarter of participants reporting experiences of discrimination on each item of the EDS. Notably, 52.1% reported being treated with less courtesy or respect. Over one-third (33.5%) of participants reported experiencing racial discrimination. Perceived discrimination was significantly associated with adverse mental health outcomes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.10–1.62). Participants who reported experiencing two or more types of discrimination had 2.02 times higher odds of chronic morbidity (aOR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.14–3.58) and 2.68 times higher odds of mental health problems (aOR = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.45–4.95) compared to those who did not report discrimination. Perceived discrimination emerges as a critical determinant of health disparities among refugee populations, reflecting significant associations with chronic morbidity and mental health issues.
Published in: Race and Social Problems
Volume 17, Issue 4, pp. 444-457