The Intersectional Impact of Disability and Immigration on Health: A Health Needs Assessment of Immigrants Living With Spinal Cord Injury in Houston, Texas

Abstract

Background Immigrants with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience challenges with co-morbidities and lack of access to medical supplies and equipment. Much of the current disability and SCI literature does not include Latinx immigrants with SCI. To address this gap in knowledge, the present study explores the intersectional impact of disability and immigration on health as well as the health status and health needs of immigrants living with SCI. Methods This community-partnered study is a secondary analysis of needs assessment data collected in February 2019 with 24 of the members of Living Hope Wheelchair Association, a nonprofit organization serving Latinx immigrants living with SCI in Houston, Texas. Results Participants shared challenges with accessing healthcare, comorbidities, mental illness, transportation, and discrimination by healthcare professionals. They also shared difficulties accessing medical supplies, medical equipment, and the need for adaptations in their homes and vehicles. Conclusion The findings corroborate those of previous studies with people with SCI, but highlights additional layers of marginalization and challenges faced by immigrants living with SCI. More research is needed to understand the health needs and health status of this population, including their access to care and management of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Findings support the need for public health and immigration policies to promote inclusion and equitable access to services as well as improve the health and quality of life of immigrants.