In this insightful episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Oluwabunmi Ogungbe, an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Groundbreaking research she conducted includes:

1. Migration-Related Weight Changes among African Immigrants in the United States

2. Acculturation and Cardiovascular Risk Screening among African Immigrants: The African Immigrant Health Study

3. Social determinants of hypertension and diabetes among African immigrants: the African immigrants' health study:

In the initial part of our conversation, Dr. Ogungbe shares her personal journey as an immigrant from Nigeria navigating America's educational and social systems. Most of our discussion focused on her groundbreaking research on the cardiovascular health of African immigrants in the United States. Ogungbe unpacks the connections among migration, lifestyle changes, stress, and their impact on cardiovascular health.

We explore how acculturation, food choices, underemployment, and discrimination can contribute to an increase in rates of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes among African immigrants. Dr. Ogungbe provides insightful, culturally tailored health interventions. Dr. Ogundge emphasizes the need for more research focused on African immigrant populations to understand their unique health needs and improve health outcomes.

Dr. Ogungbe discusses the difficulties that the generation members of our community face in participating in research, and she explains the importance of participating in research studies. She indicated that participation helps ensure that our real experiences, health needs, and challenges are accurately represented. When our community hesitates or avoids participating in studies, we must understand that the data collected shapes policies, healthcare practices, and resources available to our community. As she related during our conversation, incomplete data would reflect the realities of African immigrants regarding the kind of care they receive when it comes to health care. By showing up and engaging in research, you help create knowledge that can lead to better services, culturally informed interventions, and improved health outcomes. Our voices matter, and participating is one of the most potent ways to make sure they are heard.

Takeaways

Cardiovascular health is a critical issue for African immigrants in the U.S.

Migration impacts health through various factors like stress and access to care.

Cultural practices influence dietary habits and health outcomes.

Acculturation can lead to unhealthy lifestyle changes among immigrants.

Community support plays a vital role in health and well-being.

Preventive care is essential for managing chronic conditions.

Discrimination and isolation contribute to health disparities.

BMI may not accurately reflect health risks for diverse populations.

Tailored health interventions can improve health outcomes for African immigrants.

Participation in research is crucial for understanding and addressing health issues.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cardiovascular Health in Immigrants

03:35 Personal Journey and Migration Experiences

14:13 Challenges Faced by African Immigrants in the U.S.

20:19 The Sense of Possibility in America

22:20 Research Focus on Cardiovascular Health

26:49 The Importance of Distinct Data for African Immigrants

30:44 Acculturation and Its Impact on Health

32:16 Educational Attainment and Health Outcomes

34:50 Psychosocial Stressors and Health Implications

38:46 Cultural Influences on Health and Diet

45:44 The Impact of Stress and Discrimination on Health

52:40 Rethinking Health Metrics: The Case for BMI

01:01:40 Effective Health Interventions for African Immigrants

01:13:44 Community and Cultural Approaches to Health

Dr. Manka Nkimbeng, an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and a community-engaged nurse scientist. Dr. Nkimbeng is an African immigrant whose personal and professional journey fuels her research on health equity, aging, and dementia, especially among minority and immigrant older adults. Dr. Nkimbeng earned her Ph.D. in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University, a Master’s degree in Public Health from Boston University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She also completed the Robert L. Kane Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Minnesota.

Drawing from her studies “Where to Retire? Experiences of Older African Immigrants in the United States” and “All I Know Is That There Is a Lot of Discrimination,” Dr. Nkimbeng shares groundbreaking insights into how older African immigrants navigate complex questions of identity, belonging, and retirement in America.This conversation explores aging, migration, and the concept of belonging among the older generation of African immigrants in the United States.

Dr. Nkimbeng highlights the resilience of older African immigrants who continue to navigate two worlds. Whether you are an immigrant, a health professional, a policymaker, or a community advocate, this conversation offers valuable insights into how culture, discrimination, and community influence the aging experience in America.Together, we examine the factors that influence whether older African immigrants choose to remain in the U.S. or return to their countries of origin — from access to healthcare and family support to cultural identity and community connections. The conversation also delves into how discrimination, both institutional and interpersonal, impacts the mental and physical health of African immigrants as they age, and the coping strategies they use to survive and thrive.

The takeaways

Cultural engagement is vital for immigrant communities.

Navigating dual identities can be challenging for immigrants.

Discrimination often comes from within the community as well.

Family expectations play a significant role in academic success.

Building bridges between cultures enhances community support.

Research on African immigrants is often overshadowed.

Community-based participatory research is essential for effective studies.

Retirement decisions are influenced by notions of home.

Healthcare access is a critical issue for older immigrants.

End-of-life planning is often neglected in immigrant communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Nkimbeng

04:17 Dr. Nkimbeng's Personal Journey and Identity

12:31 Cultural Values and Academic Success

17:49 Research Challenges and Community Engagement

23:49 Exploring the Concept of Home for Immigrants

28:54 Healthcare Access and Social Support

34:56 Cultural Identity and Belonging

41:17 Identity Formation and Cultural Integration

46:31 Challenges of Professional Identity and Respect

51:56 Community Engagement and the Importance of Connection

55:05 Understanding Racial Discrimination in Immigrant Experiences

01:04:10 Coping Mechanisms for Discrimination

01:12:15 Cultural Humility in Healthcare and Community Support

Introduction & Summary

Dr. Mercedes Okosi returned to the Pansa Pansa Podcast to introduce her newly published book to our listeners. Dr. Okosi is a psychologist and the author of a powerful new book, The Big Book of Boundaries for People Who Make Themselves Small. In this book, Dr. Okosi explores why so many of us struggle with setting limits, whether emotional, physical, or even with our time. She explained how reclaiming our boundaries is an act of self-worth. As the daughter of an African immigrant father from Nigeria and an African American mother, Dr. Okosi brings a unique cultural and professional perspective to this conversation. In this conversation, we discussed what inspired her to write the book, the different types of boundaries we need in our lives, and how assertive communication can transform our relationships. Dr. Okosi emphasizes the importance of assertive communication and understanding various kinds of boundaries—physical, intellectual, emotional, and material. The discussion also touches on cultural influences on boundary setting and the emotional costs of neglecting personal space. Dr. Okosi provides insights into how individuals can reclaim their space and prioritize their well-being through effective boundary management.

Takeaways

Setting boundaries is an act of self-worth.

Cultural influences significantly affect how boundaries are perceived and set.

Assertive communication is key to maintaining healthy boundaries.

There are different types of boundaries: physical, intellectual, emotional, and material.

Guilt often prevents people from setting necessary boundaries.

Empowerment comes from actively participating in one's own life.

It's important to communicate your boundaries clearly to others.

Boundaries are not just for personal protection but also for fostering healthy relationships.

Understanding the emotional costs of not setting boundaries is crucial.

Everyone deserves to prioritize their own needs and well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Boundaries and Self-Worth

03:33 The Impact of Upbringing on Boundary Setting

08:04 Understanding the Book Title and Its Significance

10:03 Exploring Racial and Cultural Boundaries

11:39 Types of Boundaries: An Overview

15:56 Physical Boundaries: Everyday Examples

20:58 Intellectual Boundaries: Protecting Ideas and Values

23:43 Emotional Boundaries: Responsibility for Others' Feelings

29:41 Navigating Parenting and Individuality

30:51 Understanding Sexual Boundaries

34:32 Empowerment in Sexual Life

35:47 Cultural Contexts of Domestic Violence

37:50 Material Boundaries and Financial Obligations

41:03 Setting Limits on Time and Social Obligations

49:18 Assertive Communication Skills

51:57 Active Participation in Life

54:24 Shifting Focus to Self-Care

58:10 Introduction to PANSA PANSA Live Podcast