Crystal Patil

Assistant Professor
University of Illinois at Chicago

"Perceived discrimination among three groups of refugees resettled in the Midwest"

Flyer

Monday, March 31, 2008
3:00 pm - C103 Hesburgh Center

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and predictors of discrimination among a community-based sample of refugees resettled in the USA. We sought to test whether language, gender, time in the USA and country of origin were associated with the experience of discrimination among individuals resettled in the US as part of the refugee resettlement program. Perceived discrimination was assessed among individuals from East Africa (n=92), West Africa (n=74), and from Eastern Europe (n=112) using a multi-item measure of discrimination. Bivariate associations revealed statistically significant associations between experiences of discrimination and time in the USA, language ability, and sending country. A logistic regression model revealed that refugees from African sending countries were more likely than Eastern European individuals to experience discrimination, even after controlling for potentially confounding factors. We interpret this finding as evidence of racism and discuss the implications for population health and resettlement practice.