Sudanese refugees in a Minnesota family practice clinic

Background and Objectives: During the 1990s, African refugees from the southern Sudan were resettled in Minnesota. This research characterizes the health care utilization of a small sample of these recently arrived refugees and describes their health histories. Methods: Data were abstracted from the medical charts of all identified Sudanese patients in an urban, Midwestern family practice residency unit. Results: A small sample of Sudanese refugees were found to have high rates of prior infectious illness and experienced communication difficulties in accessing health care. Conclusions: Information about this sample's demographic variables, health behavior, health histories, and communication difficulties are documented. Some descriptors of the Nuer ethnic group are provided, and issues are raised that may help health care workers provide more culturally competent care to this Sudanese refugee population.