Date of Conferral

6-13-2024

Date of Award

June 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Kelly Chermack

Abstract

African immigrants face various barriers when accessing and utilizing health care and social support services. The challenges associated with migration and the intersectionality of being a Black immigrant can significantly exacerbate African immigrants’ physical, mental, and social well-being. The purpose of this generic, qualitative inquiry was to explore the perceptions and experiences of human and social service providers regarding the barriers and challenges of African immigrants when accessing and using health and social services, the role of cultural competency in the quality-of-service delivery, and how both affect overall service delivery. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with seven human and social services providers and were analyzed with emergent coding to identify themes. Six themes emerged: (a) positive experiences with service providers encourage service utilization, (b) systemic challenges and a lack of knowledge regarding accessing available services and support, (c) learning and understanding the similarities and differences between African immigrants and Black Americans to provide quality service delivery, (d) cultural competency empowers service providers to effectively advocate for and deliver quality services, and (e) additional insights and reflections This research may promote social change by increasing awareness of the unique needs of African immigrants and increasing human and social service professionals’ knowledge base, enabling them to effectively serve, support, and advocate for systemic changes for this immigrant population. This study may address professional development, training, and interventions, thus promoting cultural competency and humility in human and social services practices.

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