A Life Course Theory Approach to Understanding Eritrean Refugees' Perceptions of Preventive Health Care in the United States

Thousands of Eritreans flee their homes each month, embarking on dangerous journeys. With these extreme life experiences in mind, this qualitative study aimed to better understand Eritrean resettled refugees' perceptions of United States (US) preventive health care through the lens of the Life Course Theory. Through secondary thematic analysis of narrative data, two over-arching themes emerged: 1) a thirst for information, understanding and affordable health care and 2) attitudes of gratitude and hope despite lack of information and funding. Health promotion programs should focus on enhancing community engagement while nurturing protective factors of resiliency and hope to improve information dissemination and access to affordable health-care services.