4). These findings help to shed light on some of the health issues faced by this population and elicits the need for a targeted culturally appropriate approach to reducing the disparities in health, faced by African immigrants in the U.S.
DISCUSSION
Awareness on cancers including the knowledge of the recommended routine screenings, predisposition and other risk factors to these cancers are essential. Access to regular quality healthcare is equally important to ensure the health of the community; however this access is impeded by a variety of issues including lack of insurance, low socioeconomic status, and cultural and linguistic barriers. This study focused on African immigrants and health issues they face, especially with chronic diseases
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This health fair shows the limited contact many of the participants have with the health care system, because majority lack health insurance, and find medical costs unaffordable. Despite the expansion to healthcare through the Affordable Care Act, participants in this study were mostly uninsured, drastically reducing their access to quality health care. Similar to other immigrant groups, barriers that may be responsible for the high rates of uninsured African immigrants include language barriers and health literacy. Some of the participants speak English as a second language; this does not only affect their ability to communicate but also affects their ability to comprehend health or insurance information.(31) Another potential obstacle is that the data on the number of the currently uninsured African immigrants who know about their coverage options is lacking, as earlier mentioned this group is likely categorized as Black or African American. In addition, the decision by some states not to expand Medicaid eligibility will have detrimental effects on the insurance coverage of African immigrants with the lowest incomes. For example, in states that expanded Medicaid, studies show that the rate of uninsured Latino’s decreased from 35% to 15%, while in states without expansion, the uninsured rates remained the same.(32)
Cancer awareness was accomplished during this health fair, with a family history of certain cancers
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All objectives were met including providing free health screenings, education/awareness, and referral to follow-up resources. This event proves that well-organized health fairs that are designed to be repetitive and to include participant follow-up are effective in achieving predetermined objectives. The findings are evidence of the importance and impact of health fairs in communities of greatest needs, especially understudied communities like the African immigrants in the