Abstract
Interdisciplinary health research that investigates gender as a relational process is necessary to facilitate a safe and healthy resettlement process for refugees in Canada. This scoping review explores the range, nature, and extent of published research examining gender in relation to refugee health during resettlement in Canada. An initial search of six databases yielded 7325 articles published before June 2019. A total of 34 articles published between 1988 and 2019 were included for in-depth review. Articles meeting inclusion criteria primarily focused on refugee women. Categories of focus included maternal health, social and emotional health, health impacts of sexual and gender-based violence and torture, access to health and social services, decision-making and health-seeking behavior, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health. Our thematic analysis identified connections between gender roles, expectations, ideals, and health through interactions and lived experiences within the family, community, and healthcare system. Review findings suggest that many refugee women are influenced by pervasive gender roles and expectations as well as exposed to gendered health systems and practices that may pose risks to health, particularly mental health and access to services. Further efforts should be made to understand processes and experiences of resilience and community building in countering negative impacts of gendered beliefs and practices on health during resettlement.
Highlights
Since 2014, Canada has received over 60,000 refugees [1] and remains a preferred resettlement country for many refugees due to the relatively robust supports available to individuals resettled through its Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program [2]
We have endeavored to accurately represent the range, nature, and extent of refugee health research focusing on gender, including highlighting proportionately the populations referenced by this body of literature
As our review clearly demonstrates, gender is an important determinant of refugee health during resettlement in Canada and requires attention and consideration when designing future research and health initiatives with refugee populations, with refugee women
Summary
Since 2014, Canada has received over 60,000 refugees [1] and remains a preferred resettlement country for many refugees due to the relatively robust supports available to individuals resettled through its Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program [2]. These include pre- and post-arrival healthcare and orientation services, access to loans to cover the costs of travel to Canada, and financial and social support during the first twelve months of resettlement [2]. Public Health 2020, 17, 7511; doi:10.3390/ijerph17207511 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
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