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.