The Coptic American Experience: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study of Racial Identity, Perceived Discrimination, and Health Outcomes.

The Coptic people are an ethnoreligious group indigenous to Egypt who have faced persecution and, subsequently, emigrated in masses since the 1950s. However, there is a lack of research investigating the health outcomes of the Coptic diaspora in Western countries, a common destination for the diaspora. This study aims to shed light on this minority group's racial identity, discriminatory experiences, health, and the interplay of these elements. A cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted using a secure and anonymous online questionnaire distributed to Coptic Orthodox community hubs throughout the United States. The survey collected information on self-reported general physical and mental health status, racial identification, and perceived discriminatory experiences using the Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS). Statistical analyses examined the relationships between racial identification, EDS scores, and general physical and mental health status. After implementation of the exclusion criteria, the final sample size was n = 511 participants. Analysis revealed statistically significant relationships between (1) racial identification and EDS scores, where Black/African or African American participants scored higher than non-Black participants (Wilcoxon p-value < < 0.05); (2) EDS scores and general mental health status (GMHS), where higher EDS scores correlated with lower GMHS scores (Kendall/Spearman correlation coefficient - 0.17/-0.21); and (3) racial identification and general physical health status (GPHS), where Black/African or African American participants reported more moderate GPHS scores (Wilcoxon p-value < 0.05). This study provides insights into the complex interplay between racial identity, discrimination, and health within the Coptic immigrant community in the United States. The findings highlight the need for further research to understand this underrepresented population's unique experiences and challenges, with implications for developing culturally sensitive interventions and policies to promote their well-being.