PHS65 - Experiences of Health and Social Inequalities in African Asylum Seekers and Refugees In Manchester, UK: A Thematic Analysis

Abstract

Asylum and refugee issues continue to be significant focus for public health, economy and political debate. Africa is a major source of asylum-seekers in the United Kingdom (UK). To date, the experiences of African asylum-seekers and refugees in the UK are not clearly known. This study explored the health and social care inequalities in African asylum seekers and refugees in Manchester, UK Six African asylum-seekers and refugees attending a drop-in centre in Manchester UK participated in the study. An ethnographic approach consisting of semi-structured interview was used. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire with open-ended questions. Data analysis was carried out using thematic analysis (Bryman 2004). The Identifying patterned meaning across data was collected and responses from participants were coded. Findings showed that African asylum-seekers and refugees left their home countries because of political/religion persecutions and came to the UK for a better life, however, they are experiencing difficult times in the UK. It was also found that they experienced problems such as communication, financial hardship, social isolation, accommodation, unemployment, lack of access to education, health issues. They also had health issues such as mental health disorders, and inequalities of access to health and social care services. The study showed that African asylum-seekers and refugees have complex health issues such as mental health disorders, and they have limited access to health and social care services. Understanding their experiences may help to facilitate resource allocation in health and social care and put in place appropriate strategies to improve health outcomes of these people. These may be by bridging the inequality gaps in areas of access to employment, education and health and social care services. Future studies are required to examine in detail the health outcomes (clinical and economic outcomes) of asylum-seekers and refugees in the UK.