Addressing Health Communication Challenges Faced By Refugees with Disabilities

Background and Objectives
Refugees with disabilities face multifaceted challenges in accessing healthcare, exacerbated by systemic barriers in health communication. Limited English proficiency, inadequate interpretation services, and a lack of culturally competent communication strategies create significant obstacles. These barriers hinder access to critical healthcare services and negatively affect health outcomes. This presentation aims to examine the health communication barriers faced by Refugees with disabilities in the U.S. healthcare system and propose actionable strategies to address them, fostering equitable healthcare delivery.

Methodology
This qualitative study employed a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach and qualitative descriptive design, engaging 40 Refugees with disabilities and 25 social workers across multiple U.S. cities. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus groups to ensure diverse perspectives. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key patterns and insights into the barriers and facilitators of effective health communication, with a focus on the lived experiences of Refugees with disabilities and the perspectives of social workers.

Results/Impact
The findings reveal pervasive communication challenges, including reliance on untrained interpreters, lack of awareness of disability-specific language, and a need for cultural competence practices among social workers. These barriers were particularly pronounced for refugees with sensory impairments and psychiatric conditions. Facilitators identified included the integration of patient navigators, the use of cultural brokers, and comprehensive training programs for healthcare professionals to enhance cultural humility and disability awareness.

Conclusions and Discussion
Systemic interventions are essential to address these barriers. Recommendations include improving interpreter training, increasing access to culturally and disability-appropriate services, and implementing policies that prioritize inclusive health communication practices. These findings underscore the urgent need to reimagine refugee health services to ensure that Refugees with disabilities receive equitable and accessible care. The implications of this research are significant for advancing disability justice and enhancing healthcare outcomes for one of the most marginalized populations.