Question

Using APA format, write a one-page opinion on the health needs of an elderly Cambodian refugee who came to the United States 28 years ago. Make sure you cite and reference any informational resources used.

Include cultural and political trends and related challenges that differ from other immigrants.

What health implications emerge from the pressure of being a refugee?

Answer 1

Cambodian refugee’s

The historical perspective, in 1975, the Khmer Rouge came to power in that country and implemented an extreme version of agricultural-based communism. The new government may have killed as many as two million Cambodians in its attempt to reshape society. As a result, thousands of Cambodians fled the country. Vietnam’s invasion of Cambodia in 1979 intensified the exodus. Many of the Cambodian refugees initially fled to neighbouring Thailand. There, they were put in refugee camps in which they endured poor conditions. Although some Cambodians remained in Thailand, thousands eventually were permitted to come to the United States at the beginning of the 1980’s. The large numbers of refugees coming to the United States from Southeast Asia led the American government to establish a resettlement program (Kevin, 2015).

cultural and political trends and related challenges that differ from other immigrants

a. Cultural and political trends among Cambodian refugees

(Khatharya, 2018) Despite the initial US policy of dispersing refugees, distinct communities were established and revitalized through secondary and tertiary migration. Over the last twenty-five years, major population concentrations have emerged in California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Washington State, followed by Texas and Florida, adding richness to the texture of America’s inner cities and suburban neighbourhoods. Communities such as Long Beach’s “little Phnom-Penh”, with its ethnic “mini mall” and noodle houses, have made a distinct and permanent mark on American culture and society. community-based assistance agencies, cultural and professional associations, as well as Khmer Buddhist temples and Christian churches have emerged as key institutions. the diasporic community to come together and immerse themselves in the reconstituted world of familiar sights, sounds and smells, through the adornment of traditional dress, and in the partaking of traditional food, ceremonies, music, and dance.

b. Challenges faced by Cambodian refugee’s

According to the 2000 census, Cambodian American populations had many issues like lower level of education, poverty, assimilation, poor mental health, poor physical health, deportations. (Thomas Riggs, 2014).

Health issues among Cambodian refugee’s

(Friis & al, 2011) One study conducted among Cambodian Americans, found that 13.0% of the adult respondents were current cigarette smokers. When the study was broken down by gender, 24.4% of smokers included in the study were male, and 5.4% were women. The prevalence of smoking was found to be higher in Cambodian American males than in other males residing in California. Additionally, smoking rates are estimated to be higher among Cambodian Americans than among other Asian American groups, with the prevalence of cigarette smoking among the aggregate Asian population in the US around 9.6%, with men and women combined. Nearly 81% of Cambodians in America met the criteria for major affective disorder, which encompasses depression and generalized anxiety (NAWHO, 2015)

According to (Mhlanga, 2008) common health problems faced by Cambodian elderly were

Vitamin D deficiency (Dietary habits contribute to this condition in other ethnic groups), Stomach parasites, Iron deficiency, Dental problems requiring fillings, extractions etc, Positive Mantoux results – but no active TB found, Fungal skin infections, Hepatitis B+ carrier status. Other Health issues faced were: Arthritis, Eyesight issues (cataract, glaucoma etc…), Hearing, High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), Diabetes, Cancer (Breast and cervical), Obesity, Heart disease, Back pain, Hip problems. Barriers for lack of assessing health care facilities: Language, Stereotyping, Lack of knowledge, Transport barrier, Financial barriers, Health care challenges, lack of professionals, Funding challenges, Low level of participation in social events by elderly, Social isolation, Child care giving duties, Generation gap.

References

Friis, R. H., & al, G.-O. e. (2011). Socioepidemiology of Cigarette Smoking Among Cambodian Americans in Long Beach, California. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health., 272-280.

Kevin. (2015). Cambodian immigrants. Retrieved from Immigration to United States.org: https://immigrationtounitedstates.org/400-cambodian-immigrants.html

Khatharya. (2018). The Cambodian Diaspora. Asia Society, 1-3.

Mhlanga, F. (2008). Elderly refugees and migrants: Health needs and recommendations. New Zeland: Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust .

NAWHO. (2015). Mental Health and Depression in Asian Americans. San Francisco: National Asian Women's Health Organization.

Thomas Riggs, B. C. (2014). Cambodian Americans. Gale Encyclopedia of Multicultural America, 381-393.