Abstract
BackgroundChildren from refugee backgrounds are less likely to access appropriate health and social care than non-refugee children. Our aim was to identify refugee children’s health/wellbeing strengths and needs, and the barriers and enablers to accessing services while preparing for primary and secondary school, in a low socio-economic multicultural community in Australia.MethodTen focus groups were facilitated with Arabic-speaking refugee parents of children aged 2–5 years (n = 11) or in first year secondary school (n = 22); refugee adolescents starting high school (n = 16); and key service providers to refugee families (n = 27). Vignettes about a healthy child and a child with difficulties guided the discussions. Data was thematically analysed and feedback sought from the community via the World Café method.ResultsPersonal resilience and strong family systems were identified as strengths. Mental health was identified as a complex primary need; and whilst refugees were aware of available services, there were issues in knowing how to access them. Opportunities for play/socialisation were recognised as unmet adolescent needs. Adults spoke of a need to support integration of “old” and “new” cultural values. Parents identified community as facilitating health knowledge transfer for new arrivals; whilst stakeholders saw this as a barrier when systems change. Most parents had not heard of early childhood services, and reported difficulty accessing child healthcare. Preschooler parents identified the family “GP” as the main source of health support; whilst parents of adolescents valued their child’s school. Health communication in written (not spoken) English was a significant roadblock. Differences in refugee family and service provider perceptions were also evident.ConclusionsRefugee families face challenges to accessing services, but also have strengths that enable them to optimise their children’s wellbeing. Culturally-tailored models of care embedded within GP services and school systems may assist improved healthcare for refugee families.
Highlights
Children from refugee backgrounds are less likely to access appropriate health and social care than non-refugee children
Mental health was identified as a complex primary need; and whilst refugees were aware of available services, there were issues in knowing how to access them
Opportunities for play/socialisation were recognised as unmet adolescent needs
Summary
Children from refugee backgrounds are less likely to access appropriate health and social care than non-refugee children. The number of refugees resettled in 2017 (predominantly in high income countries) was 102,800; and relevant to the setting of this paper, 15,100 of those persons were resettled in Australia [1]. The number of refugees resettling in high-income countries, such as Australia, is growing. Research into addressing this inequity is essential and pressing. Adolescence is a pivotal time when access to quality healthcare is integral. It represents marked developmental growth, pubertal change and identity formation [12]. For adolescents from refugee backgrounds it can be an especially challenging time, as they negotiate multiple ethnic identities and may make new meaning from past trauma [13]
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