Promoting Health Equity: An Intersectional Analysis of Social Determinants, Coping Mechanisms, and Well-Being among Immigrant Women

A special issue of Social Sciences (ISSN 2076-0760). This special issue belongs to the section "International Migration".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2024) | Viewed by 2991

Special Issue Editor

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Guest Editor
Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
Interests: social determinants of health; mental health and immigration; health inequities; intersection of immigration, gender and SES; latinx studies; gender and violence
* Lead Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In today's globalized world, migration has become a defining feature, with millions of individuals relocating to new countries in search of better opportunities, safety, or refuge. Immigrant women, in particular, represent a unique and diverse group with varying cultural, socioeconomic, and personal backgrounds. This diversity necessitates a nuanced understanding of the social determinants that impact their health and well-being, the coping mechanisms they employ, and the resulting health disparities they may face.

Key areas of exploration for this Special Issue include but are not limited to:

  • Intersectionality and Global Perspective: Investigating the intersectional identities of immigrant women, including their ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, immigration status, and other intersecting factors; and adopting a global lens to encompass immigrants from diverse regions worldwide, providing a comprehensive view of the immigrant experience.
  • Social Determinants: Analyzing how social determinants such as discrimination, acculturation, access to healthcare, economic disparities, and legal status influence the health and well-being of immigrant women. Authors are encouraged to delve into these determinants' intricate effects within various cultural contexts.
  • Coping Mechanisms: Exploring the strategies, both individual and collective, that immigrant women employ to navigate these challenges. This may include examining social support networks, community resources, and culturally relevant coping mechanisms that contribute to resilience.
  • Health Disparities: Investigating the health disparities that immigrant women face, which may be shaped by a multitude of factors. Authors should critically assess these disparities while considering both the unique challenges and strengths of immigrant communities.

While certain aspects of immigrant health and well-being have been well-researched, there remains a compelling need for fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. Reasons for exploring even well-studied topics in this Special Issue include:

  • Intersectional and Global Focus: By adopting an intersectional and global perspective, this Special Issue aims to capture the diverse experiences of immigrant women from various regions and backgrounds. It encourages researchers to delve deeper into the intricacies of these experiences.
  • Identifying Solutions: Whilst previous research may have identified problems and disparities, this Special Issue seeks to highlight innovative solutions, interventions, and strategies that promote health equity among immigrant women. Authors should focus on providing actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and communities.
  • Insightful Understanding: Each immigrant woman's experience is unique. This Special Issue encourages authors to explore the complexities and cultural context of the immigrant experience to provide a profound and comprehensive understanding.

Authors interested in contributing to this Special Issue should concentrate on:

  • Originality: Providing original research or innovative perspectives that contribute to the ongoing discourse on immigrant women's health. Authors should strive to bring fresh insights to well-studied topics.
  • Interdisciplinary Approaches: Leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to offer a holistic understanding of the subject matter. Collaborations across fields such as sociology, public health, psychology, cultural studies, and more are encouraged.
  • Practical Implications: Emphasizing the practical implications of their research. Authors should discuss how their findings can inform policies, interventions, or community practices aimed at promoting health equity among immigrant women.
  • Global Relevance: Ensuring their research has global relevance by considering immigrant women from diverse geographical locations. Comparative analyses that highlight similarities and differences across regions are valuable.

Dr. Venera Bekteshi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • health equity
  • social determinants
  • coping mechanisms
  • intersectionality and global perspective
  • identifying solutions
  • immigrant women

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

16 pages, 812 KiB  
Article
Examining External and Internal Acculturative Factors: Cuban-Born Women’s Experience of Well-Being in the U.S.
by Venera Bekteshi and Jennifer L. Bellamy
Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(2), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13020072 - 23 Jan 2024
Viewed by 2204
Abstract
Objective: This study investigates the influence of acculturative stress on the mental well-being of Cuban-born women and Latina immigrants, emphasizing their distinctive experiences. Methods: Utilizing data from the National Latino Asian American Study (NLAAS), a comprehensive nationwide mental health investigation among Latino and [...] Read more.
Objective: This study investigates the influence of acculturative stress on the mental well-being of Cuban-born women and Latina immigrants, emphasizing their distinctive experiences. Methods: Utilizing data from the National Latino Asian American Study (NLAAS), a comprehensive nationwide mental health investigation among Latino and Asian Americans, this study examined 264 Cuban women (average age: 58) who migrated to the United States and live in south Florida. The study employed Family Stress Management (FSM) framework and Bekteshi et al.’s Contextual Influence on Acculturative Stress (CIAS) framework to scrutinize the interplay of contextual factors and individual characteristics impacting adolescents’ psychological distress. Results: The findings revealed several noteworthy associations. Higher levels of church attendance, challenges in visiting family overseas, and perceived racial discrimination correlated with elevated stress levels. Furthermore, the age at which individuals immigrated was positively linked to increased stress (b = 0.18; p = 0.04), indicating that older Cuban immigrants experienced greater psychological distress upon their arrival in the United States. Additionally, higher levels of conflict between family and cultural values, as well as intensified religious beliefs, were associated with elevated distress levels. Conclusion: This study underscores the intricate interplay of diverse contextual factors in shaping the mental health and well-being of Cuban-born women. The insights derived from this research have implications for the development of tailored interventions and support systems, aiming to address the unique needs of this population. Full article
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