Title: A resource failure: Health disparities among immigrant residents in Worcester, MA
Author: Canales, Charise
Date: May 2014
Description: Master’s paper, Clark University, Department of International Development, Community and Environment
This paper explores the disparities in health between immigrants and U.S.-born residents living in Worcester, Massachusetts. In the context of the recent health care reforms and with a focus on the link between environment and health, this research identities health disparities between these two groups throughout Worcester. To investigate this phenomenon the author uses a mixed method approach that includes health care canvassing, informal discussions with community health educators and workers, and secondary data. The study finds that the resources are available in Worcester but foreign born residents face more barriers due to a lack of understanding of how to navigate the complex health system and how to approach preventive care and healthy lifestyles in an environment lacking in their normal social supports. The paper concludes that cultural sensitivity initiatives and an emphasis on preventive care are two areas policymakers can address to reduce health disparities in Worcester.
Keywords: immigrant health, health disparities, healthcare reform, health indicators, cultural diversity, health policies
Cataloged by: Selina Sikder/ B. J. Perkins