A DIASPORA IN NEED - INVESTIGATION OF THE HEALTHCARE GAPS WITHIN THE BOSNIAN AMERICAN POPULATION OF METRO DETROIT

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

7-17-2025

Publication Title

J Gen Intern Med

Keywords

alcohol, adult, anxiety, cardiovascular risk, chronic disease, communication barrier, conference abstract, controlled study, cross-sectional study, depression, epidemiology, female, health care access, health education, health hazard, high school, human, immigrant, indigenous people, lifestyle, male, mental disease, participation, prescription, risk factor, sample size, skepticism, social determinants of health, tobacco use, traffic and transport

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Bosnian War of the early 1990s led to the mass flight of Bosnian natives seeking asylum in the Americas, particularly in Metro Detroit. Indeed this Bosnian American immigrant population faced unique healthcare challenges though they have been insufficiently explored in existing literature thus far. As such, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographic characteristics and healthcare concerns of the Bosnian American community within the Metro Detroit area. METHODS: A cross-sectional anonymous survey was conducted among Bosnian Americans in Metro Detroit over six months to assess demographics, healthcare access, and medical conditions. The survey, available in Bosnian and English, was distributed digitally and physically through clinics, cultural centers, health fairs, and community events. Participants reported on age, gender, education, time in the U.S., social habits, healthcare access, language barriers, and medical conditions. Surveys were self-administered, with guidance available if needed, and anonymity was maintained. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, while cross-tabulations examined relationships between variables. Providing insights into healthcare challenges of this community. RESULTS: The average age of respondents was 51, with 34.4% males and 61.7% females. Education levels varied: 30% completed high school, 33.9% attended some college, and 16.7% earned a graduate level degree. The average time spent in the US was about 25 years. Health habits showed that 22.2% smoked and 27.8% drank alcohol at any point in time. Common health conditions included hypertension, diabetes, and mental health issues, with 43.3% reporting chronic conditions. 40% reported medium to high stress levels. Social determinants showed that 13.3% could benefit from prescription coverage, 25% from insurance costs, and 18.3% from translation services. Transportation concerns were reported by 14.4%. The strongest correlations in the data set suggest elevated stress levels with depression, anxiety and cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study of the Bosnian American population in Metro Detroit highlights the complex interactions between lifestyle factors, health conditions, and social determinants affecting this group. While existing literature suggests that Bosnian Americans may face heightened cardiovascular risks due to cultural lifestyle differences, our findings indicate improvements in certain health risk factors, particularly tobacco use. However, the study's limitations, including a small sample size and a skewed gender distribution, underscore the challenges in engaging male participants, who expressed skepticism and reluctance towards participation. These findings emphasize the need for further research and the development of stronger community partnerships to better address the health concerns and needs of the Bosnian American population.

Volume

40

First Page

S833

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