EXPLORING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MEDICATION ADHERENCE, HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE, AND SOCIAL CAPITAL AMONG ARAB DESCENT AMERICANS IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Abstract

In the past decade, Arab-descent Americans (ADAs) have been among the fastest- growing ethnic minority groups in the United States; their community is diverse and has an impact on American society. Today, nearly 3.7 million ADAs live in the United States, mostly in ten states, and Florida is one of these states. However, compared to other ethnic groups, ADAs have been understudied regarding racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes. Limited research exists on how Arabic culture, which consists of an interaction between religion and ethnicity, affects their health status. Minimal information is available about health outcomes and the potential for healthcare inequalities in ADAs. One key reason for the limited research on this population is the fact that ADAs lack a unique identifier and are classified as White in the U.S. Census. This study explored the effect of social capital on medication adherence and health- related quality of life (HRQOL) for Arab descent Americans (ADAs) in South Florida. A cross-sectional design with a self-administrated online survey was implemented to collect data on 210 eligible ADA participants. In order to examine the research hypothesis, binary and hierarchical logistic regression analyses were used with medication adherence, whereas univariate and hierarchical linear regression analyses were used with HRQOL. The findings of this study showed that 74% of participants reported suboptimal adherence levels. Besides, participants reported similar physical health and poorer mental health compared to the general U.S. population in 1988. The hierarchical logistic regression showed that a part-time job and a high level of social capital were significantly associated with optimal medication adherence. The hierarchical multiple regressions indicated that being married, having health conditions, higher income, and a high level of social capital were significantly associated with better physical health, whereas being very religious and having a high level of social capital were significantly associated with better mental health. The findings of this study promoted the understanding of the health status of ADAs, specifically risk factors related to medication adherence and HRQOL. It also offered a new understanding of social capital's role as a vital health determinant and its impact in improving medication adherence and HRQOL.