Health status, health insurance, and health care utilization patterns of immigrant Black men

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to describe the health status, health insurance, and health care utilization patterns of the growing population of immigrant Black men. METHODS: We used data from the 1997-2000 National Health Interview Survey to examine and then compare health variables of foreign-born Black men with those of US-born Black and White men. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine health outcomes. RESULTS: Foreign-born Black men were in better overall health than their US-born Black counterparts and were much less likely than either US-born Black or White men to report adverse health behaviors. Despite these health advantages, foreign-born Black men were more likely than either US-born Black or White men to be uninsured. CONCLUSIONS: In the long term, immigrant Black men who are in poor health may be adversely affected by lack of health care coverage.