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Barriers to Health Care Access Faced by Black Immigrants in the US: Theoretical Considerations and Recommendations

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Abstract

Although 54 % of the total black immigrant population is from the Caribbean and 34 % is from Africa, we know relatively little about barriers to healthcare access faced by black immigrants. This paper reviews literature on the barriers that black immigrants face as they traverse the healthcare system and develops a conceptual framework to address barriers to healthcare access experienced by this population. Our contribution is twofold: (1) we synthesize the literature on barriers that may lead to inequitable healthcare access for black immigrants, and (2) we offer a theoretical perspective on how to address these barriers. Overall, the literature indicates that structural barriers can be overcome by providing interpreters, cultural competency training for healthcare professionals, and community-based care. Our model reflects individual and structural factors that may promote these initiatives.

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The authors acknowledge that there is no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology and Crime, Law and Justice, The Pennsylvania State University, 211 Oswald Tower, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Edith Gonzo Wafula

  2. Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 315 Health and Human Development East, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Shedra Amy Snipes

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  1. Edith Gonzo Wafula
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  2. Shedra Amy Snipes
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Correspondence to Edith Gonzo Wafula.

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Wafula, E.G., Snipes, S.A. Barriers to Health Care Access Faced by Black Immigrants in the US: Theoretical Considerations and Recommendations. J Immigrant Minority Health 16, 689–698 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-013-9898-1

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