Factors in Primary Care Use Among Young Adult Refugees from Burma and Bhutan in Early Resettlement: Findings from Colorado

Background: Young adult refugees have suboptimal primary care use in early resettlement—domains of integration influence primary care engagement during this time. Methods: Adjusted logistic regression models were used to estimate odds of (1) having a primary care exam and (2) identification of a primary care provider (PCP) as predicted by domains of integration among young adult refugees (n=154) from Burma and Bhutan across four years following resettlement. Results: Overall integration and predisposing factors, such as language and cultural knowledge, were lower odds of having a primary care provider. Enabling factors such as having insurance and knowing how to make an appointment were related to higher odds of having a PCP. Predisposing vulnerable and enabling factors, including insurance and identifying a PCP, were protective for having a physical exam. Discussion: The integration factors influencing primary care use among young adult refugees during early resettlement change over time and differ for having a primary care provider compared to having an exam. As such, services should be tailored to uniquely support their primary care engagement across the trajectory of post-resettlement integration.