Migrant Communities In Australia Research Articles

Asset-based community development approaches to resilience among refugees and recent migrant communities in Australia: a scoping review

PurposeResilience is an increasingly important concept that contributes to sustainability and wellbeing of a community. Asset-based community development (ABCD) may offer promising approaches to boosting community resilience in Australia, especially within marginalised groups.Design/methodology/approachA scoping review was conducted to conceptualise existing literature on ABCD approaches to building resilience. Research databases were searched with relevant details.FindingsThirty-three sources were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria and were reviewed in terms of six themes: integration and identity, health, mental health, education, employment and community planning. Issues identified by the literature within these themes can be alleviated through asset-based approaches. Implications for planning of asset-based programs and policy change are discussed in light of the findings.Practical implicationsThe results of this study provide several implications for practise, policy recommendations and future research into this area. Results suggest that increasing capacity around asset-based coping mechanisms, such as support networks through religious and cultural groups, would promote community development and foster resilience. Furthermore, policy on refugees in multiple areas, such as psychological service provision and employment, should be redesigned in a way that acknowledges their complex and diverse needs and facilitates their integration into the community. Though multiple ways to achieve this goal have been explored in literature, a sustained and broader approach is necessary to see widespread change. Further research and funding are required to explore and implement appropriate responses. Based on the findings and discussion above, the authors make the following policy recommendations. Service providers need to be aware of and incorporate culturally appropriate programs in the areas of mental health assessment and intervention, education and employment. The trauma-informed approach should be used when dealing with refugee groups and other groups who have faced hardships. Government policy should focus on improving community engagement to create and strengthen social networks, which are vital in boosting integration into the community and increasing health education and access to services. Government should focus on asset-based approaches in designing education and employment integration programs to promote social belonging and community engagement, and thus, community resilience, which will consequently have beneficial individual and group outcomes. The current governmental policy surrounding refugees should be overhauled with the goal of successful refugee integration in mind, such as incorporating the ability for refugees to access vital services such as employment and skills transferability programs. Due to current policy, these services are inaccessible to a large portion of refugees, hindering their integration. Government needs to create specific guidelines for the provision of psychological services to refugees to improve the quality of mental health services available to this group.Originality/valueThis paper comprises an original data analysis of the relevant existing literature by the project team. The process was rigorous, and no content of the analysis has been published previously except the material published by other authors. All previously published materials were duly acknowledged.

Acceptability and perceived feasibility of adapted encounter decision aids on contraceptive methods: An interview study with healthcare providers and Chinese migrant women.

This study aimed to explore the perceived acceptability, usefulness, and feasibility of a suite of encounter decision aids (DAs) on contraceptive methods with Chinese migrant women living in Australia and healthcare providers. Semi-structured in-depth interviews with 22 Chinese migrant women and twenty healthcare providers were conducted. Transcribed data were analysed using the qualitative content analysis method. Women perceived the DAs to be informative and useful. They suggested making the DAs available outside the clinical settings. Healthcare providers perceived the DAs to be comprehensive and valuable in informing women about contraceptive methods. Some providers had concerns as to the information load and the length of the DAs. Such concerns were eased when provided with an explanation of how to use the DAs. Most women and healthcare providers preferred the numerical format for side-effect probability information presentation. Making the encounter DAs available in both the Chinese and English languages can be valuable in assisting Chinese migrant women in making informed decisions about contraceptive methods. This study is the first to evaluate the acceptability and perceived feasibility of patient decision aids with members of a migrant community in Australia. The findings highlight the need for disseminating the DAs both within and outside the clinical settings.

Can Sri Lankan Australians Recognise Depression? The Influence of Acculturation, Age and Experiences with Depression on Recognition.

Mental health literacy is an important determinant of mental health help-seeking and is associated with improved mental health. There is evidence that mental health literacy may be lower amongst some migrant communities in Australia. The present study conducted the first cross-sectional survey of mental health literacy in Sri Lankan Australians between April and October 2020. Participants (N = 404) were presented with a culturally-tailored vignette describing an individual with symptoms of major depressive disorder, with correct recognition determined by the coding of an open text response to the question 'what's wrong with Mr Silva?'. Binomial linear regression modelling was conducted to identify predictors of the correct recognition of depression. Approximately 74% of participants recognised the presented symptoms as depression, though multiple other labels were also used by the respondents. The results also suggested that younger age and having a prior diagnosis of depression were significant predictors of recognising depression in the vignette. In the first study of Sri Lankan migrants' mental health literacy in an Australian context, the rates of depression recognition were comparable to those found in the general Australian population. Further research is urgently required to replicate and extend the present findings and ultimately support the development of tailored interventions aimed at improving mental health literacy across the diverse Sri Lankan Australian community.

“I want her to be able to think in English”: challenges to heritage language maintenance in a monolingual society

AbstractFilipino migrants are the fifth largest migrant community in Australia. Filipino migration to the country has been driven by socioeconomic and political factors in both the Philippines and Australia. Against this context, this paper investigates heritage language maintenance practices of Filipino migrant families by using a 2019 interview-based research study with five Filipino migrant families residing in Sydney. The five families were selected based on two criteria: the region in the Philippines where they came from and having a focal child in primary school. The first criterion captured participants from different Philippine linguistic background, while the second ensured a common denominator across the five families that impacts on heritage language practices. Employing Family Language Policy (FLP) as a lens for analysis, the study shows three key findings: (1) the families came to Australia with multilingual repertoires; (2) the parents’ language beliefs, mostly motivated by economic and social pressures attached to their ability to speak English well, dictated the family language practices in the home; and (3) their understanding of language learning plays a significant role in their FLP. This research is significant in terms of its contribution to advocacy and sociolinguistic research on heritage language maintenance among Filipino migrants (199).

Pain experiences of Hindi-speaking Indian migrants in Sydney: a qualitative study

Cultural beliefs and values are increasingly understood to influence the experience of pain, health-seeking, and pain management behaviours. Research exploring cultural beliefs about pain is particularly needed for Indian migrants, who have a high prevalence of pain and are among the largest migrant communities in Australia and internationally. The objective of this study was to explore pain-related beliefs and coping strategies of Hindi-speaking Indian migrants with chronic back pain living in Sydney. Indian migrants (n = 26) completed a demographic survey, standardised pain questionnaires (RMDQ, PSEQ and BBQ) and participated in one of five focus group discussions. This cohort had low levels of disability: Mean (SD) [RMDQ 5.04 (3.2)], high self-efficacy [PSEQ 44.6 (8.8)], and relatively positive beliefs about back pain [BBQ 28.6 (4.4)]. Three categories of interconnected beliefs emerged from the focus groups: causative, treatment/coping-related, and prognostic beliefs underpinned by a core cultural belief in ‘the philosophy of Karma’. Within this core philosophy, three cultural values were central to the experience of pain and the construction of pain-related beliefs: collectivism and contribution, gendered roles, and mind-body wellness. The incorporation of holistic approaches to back pain management with an emphasis on mindfulness, exercise, and physical activity aligned with family-oriented goals could be considered for management of chronic back pain among Indian migrant communities. Contribution of the Paper•Culture seemed to influence beliefs relating to chronic back pain among Indian migrants, with a core belief in the philosophy of Karma.•Within this core philosophy, three cultural values were central to the experience of pain and the construction of pain-related beliefs: collectivism and contribution, gendered roles, and mind-body wellness.•Indian migrants living with chronic back pain could benefit from planning and delivery of an intervention involving family and community, and Yoga as an adjunct therapy along with exercise and physical activity.

Back pain beliefs among Indian migrants in Australia: a cross-sectional study

Purpose One of the largest migrant communities in Australia is the Indian migrant community. Current back pain guidelines recommend assessment of patients’ beliefs; however, little is known about these beliefs in Indian communities. We aimed to investigate beliefs about back pain among Indian migrants living in Sydney. Material and methods An online questionnaire with demographic information, participant characteristics, the Back Beliefs Questionnaire (BBQ) and open-ended questions relating to beliefs about causes of back pain and treatment preferences was completed by 386 Indian migrants in Sydney. Results The overall BBQ score was 25.1 ± 6.7. We found significant but slightly more positive beliefs among Indian females than Indian males (standardized regression coefficient, β = 0.134, p = 0.014). Presence and severity of pain did not affect back pain beliefs. There seemed to be a belief in physical and structural/anatomical causes of back pain, and a belief in the effectiveness of exercise, medications, and Indian traditional approaches for pain management. Conclusions Beliefs of Indian migrants aligned with a “western traditional” biomedical model for the cause of pain, but with a belief in the effectiveness of both Indian traditional and western treatment approaches. Awareness of these beliefs could enable an effective therapeutic alliance between clinicians and Indian patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Back pain beliefs of Australian Indian migrants are similar to their western counterparts, so the current guidelines for back pain can potentially be implemented without too much adjustment for this migrant community. Awareness of these beliefs is likely to improve the therapeutic alliance between clinician and an Indian migrant patient.

Prevalence and risk factors of food insecurity among Libyan migrant families in Australia

BackgroundThe burden of food insecurity remains a public health challenge even in high income countries, such as Australia, and especially among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. While research has been undertaken among several migrant communities in Australia, there is a knowledge gap about food security within some ethnic minorities such as migrants from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This study aims to determine the prevalence and correlates of food insecurity among Libyan migrant families in Australia.MethodsA cross-sectional design utilising an online survey and convenience sampling was used to recruit 271 participants, each representing a family, who had migrated from Libya to Australia. Food security was measured using the single-item measure taken from the Australian Health Survey (AHS) and the 18-item measure from the United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module (USDA HFSSM). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent correlates associated with food insecurity.ResultsUsing the single-item measure, the prevalence of food insecurity was 13.7% whereas when the 18-item questionnaire was used, more than three out of five families (72.3%) reported being food insecure. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis for the single-item measure, those living alone or with others reported higher odds of being food insecure (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI 1.05, 6.21) compared to those living with their spouse, whereas higher annual income (≥AUD 40,000) was associated with lower odds of food insecurity (AOR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.11, 0.84). Higher annual income was also associated with lower odds of food insecurity (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.25, 0.94) on the 18-item measure. On both single and 18-item measures, larger family size (AOR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.07, 1.49 and AOR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.01, 1.47 respectively) was associated with increased odds of food insecurity.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that food insecurity amongst Libyan migrants in Australia is a widespread problem and is associated with a number of sociodemographic and socio-economic factors. The findings of this study serve to contribute to the depth and breadth of food security research among vulnerable communities, in this instance Libyan migrant families.

Gender norms in the Indian migrant community in Australia: family, community, and work roles

ABSTRACT An examination of gender norms allows us to develop gender equity strategies. There is limited research on gender roles among the Indian migrant community in Australia. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to explore the gender norms among men and women in the Indian community in Australia across their family, employment, and community roles. Focus group sessions were conducted with 40 first and second-generation Indian men and women divided into younger (18–40 years) and older age groups (41+ years). Thematic analysis revealed differences in gender norms between men and women. Women described the need to perform multiple roles; provide men with financial control; and ensure family harmony. On the other hand, men attributed a family-oriented role for women; mainly contributed to the family’s financial wellbeing; and expressed distress at the Australian legal system that they believed favoured women. The findings from the present study suggest the need for the promotion of culturally relevant gender equity strategies for members of the Indian community.

The role of community language radio for understanding creativity and wellbeing in migrant communities in Australia

Community radio—and community language radio specifically—occupies an important place in Australia’s multicultural landscape. Members of many language communities arriving in Australia have been denied important opportunities in their home countries including outlets for self-representation and public creativity in their languages. Within Australia, radio provides an accessible means of creative expression, provides vital social connection for community members of all ages and generations, and supports social cohesion on a wider scale. This article explores how community language radio in Australia can play a critical role in supporting the wellbeing of both individuals and communities by providing an accessible and adaptable outlet for creative expression. This case study examines the practices of presenters from Australia’s largest community language radio station, 3ZZZ, which reports broadcasting in around 70 languages weekly. A sample of 16 presenters from the station completed an online, mixed-methods survey. The results afford discussion of the format and composition of community language programs as a form of cultural and language maintenance, the perceived role of creativity in program design and delivery, the perceived impact of the programs for the community, and the perceived role of the program for individual and community wellbeing. The findings are considered with respect to pertinent theoretical frameworks, exploring the implications concerning creativity, community, and wellbeing. The multifaceted results we present highlight how creative community language radio participation is able to contribute positively to wellbeing in the Australian migrant context.

Stress and support: The dual role of the migrant community in the acculturation of Korean migrant families in Australia

AbstractDespite recent exploration of diverse acculturation experiences, there is still limited understanding of the specific acculturation features of the migrant experience. To address this gap, the current study aimed to explore subjective acculturation experiences of Korean migrant families by focusing on the contexts of home country, migrant community, and marital relationship. Twenty‐three married South Korean migrants with young children participated in four focus groups. Thematic analysis was used to identify major themes from the discussion. Participants reported that, contrary to a stressful life in Korea, they developed premigration expectations regarding a relaxed life in Australia. However, once the participants became involved in the Korean migrant community in Australia, their expectations were mismatched by recreating their previous stressful lives in the new country. The Korean migrant community was helpful in participants' adaptation but also unhelpful in handling acculturation issues of mismatched expectations and parental stress. The study also found that although some postmigration marital conflicts arose, marital communication in the relationship may have a protective role in solving migrants' difficulties. These findings highlight the need for enhancing the traditional acculturation framework with other theoretical frameworks to capture both general and specific acculturation features of the migrant experience.

A Metaphor for Identities in Transition through Urbanization and Globalization: Tofu and One Hundred Surnames

The Chinese artist Chen Qiulin has been taking displacement and the resulting unrest in people’s identity as her persistent theme since the early 1990s. Focusing on a series of her works made since 2004 dealing explicitly with tofu and Chinese surnames, this paper examines her exploration of identities in transition in the context of China’s mass urbanization and globalization. By showing the artist’s conceptual evolution, her preference for materials and mediums, and her exhibition strategy, this paper explores two issues. First, it illuminates how the artist has transformed “tofu” and “surname” into a metaphor for the dilemma of identity under the urbanization in China. Second, it discusses how the artist has integrated her trans-cultural experience with Chinese migrant communities in Australia, to reflect the continuity and fluidity of cultural identity under global migration. The Tofu and One Hundred Surnames series provides a useful case study for examining the complexity of identity transition in Chinese contemporary art, which was previously not fully recognized.
 
 Keywords: Chinese contemporary art, symbolic mobility, identity, memory, displacement, transition, diaspora, urbanization, global migration

The effects of a culturally-tailored campaign to increase blood donation knowledge, attitudes and intentions among African migrants in two Australian States: Victoria and South Australia.

Research suggests that African migrants are often positively predisposed towards blood donation, but are under-represented in participation. A culturally-tailored intervention targeting the African migrant community in Australia was developed and implemented, to enhance knowledge about blood donation, improve attitudes towards donating, increase intentions to donate blood, and increase the number of new African donors in Australia. Four weeks after a targeted campaign, a survey evaluation process commenced, administered face-to-face by bilingual interviewers from the African community in Melbourne and Adelaide, Australia (community survey). The questionnaires covered demographics, campaign awareness, blood donation knowledge and intentions, medical mistrust and perceived discrimination, and were analysed to evaluate changes in knowledge and intention. Sixty-two percent of survey participants (n = 454) reported being aware of the campaign. With increasing campaign awareness, there was a 0.28 increase in knowledge score (p = .005); previous blood donation was also associated with an increased blood donation knowledge score. Blood donation intention scores were not associated with campaign awareness (p = 0.272), but were associated with previous blood donation behaviour and a positive blood donation attitude score. More positive scores on the blood donation attitude measure were associated with increasing blood donation intentions, self-efficacy and campaign awareness (score increases of 0.27, 0.30 and 0.04, respectively, all p<0.05). Data were collected on the ethnicity of new blood donors in six blood collection centres before and after the intervention, and independent of the intervention evaluation survey. These data were also used to assess behavioural changes and the proportions of donors from different countries before and after the survey. There was no difference in the number of new African migrant donors, before and after the intervention. The culturally-relevant marketing campaign was associated with improved blood donation knowledge and attitudes, but there was no short-term change in blood donation intentions or the number of African donors.

We Weren’t Born Yesterday: Reflections on a Radio Documentary Series

ABSTRACTWe Weren't Born Yesterday is a series of radio documentaries produced by the Queering the Air collective on 3CR Community Radio, Melbourne, that explores queer heritage, vocabulary and intergenerational connections in migrant communities in Australia. It was broadcast in February 2015 on 3CR, SBS, Joy and other stations on the Community Radio Network. The collective produced four hour-long radio features focused on the voices of gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer people from diasporic backgrounds, with each feature focused on one cultural/linguistic community—Vietnamese, Chinese (Mandarin), Arabic and Indian (Hindi). This article presents insights that emerged from the series as well as the producers’ reflections on the series.

Dissecting and customising the Childhood Obesity Prevention Advisory Council (COPAC): the development and application of a community engagement framework to improve childhood obesity prevention among migrant populations

ABSTRACT Background: Migrant communities in Australia bear a disproportionate childhood obesity burden. They also show poor engagement in obesity prevention initiatives which may contribute to widening obesity disparities. Community engagement has been shown to be effective in reducing health disparities by improving migrant communities’ participation in prevention programmes. Objective: This study aimed to develop a community engagement framework to improve childhood obesity prevention among migrants. Design: Based on the African Review Panel model and the Community-Based Participatory Research conceptual logic model, the Childhood Obesity Prevention Advisory Council (COPAC) framework was developed and established in four disadvantaged areas in Victoria, Australia. The COPAC included service providers and migrant community members from the same project’s site. Results: COPAC demonstrated several benefits including cross-organisational and multidisciplinary collaborations; understanding of the cultural barriers in childhood obesity prevention; enthusiasm from the COPAC members in addressing childhood obesity in their multicultural communities; equitable involvement, motivation, and empowerment of COPAC members in research development; and establishing organisational affiliations to foster long-term community involvement. This study also documented several challenges in community engagement including lack of prioritisation of migration-related childhood obesity disparities by the policymakers; staffing constraints among service providers leading to frequent disruptions in COPAC members’ contributions; and lack of adequate training and skill-building of bicultural workers. Conclusions: The COPAC model adopted a flexible and dynamic community engagement process to suit the ongoing needs of the migrant community which incorporated the existing talents and resources within the community. For effective community engagement of migrant communities, it is important for policymakers to develop the knowledge, capacity and skills of the bicultural migrant workforce. Integrating both service providers and migrant community members in the COPAC has demonstrated that a multifaceted community-led approach has the potential to reduce childhood obesity-related disparities in Australia.

Barriers to Participation in Physical Activity Among South Sudanese Children in South Australia: Parents' Perspectives.

Physical inactivity is one of the determinants of childhood obesity. Although its facilitators are well documented for the general community, limited evidence exists informing newly arrived and emerging migrant communities in Australia. To explore parents' perspectives of barriers to participation in physical activity among South Sudanese children in South Australia. Qualitative, face-to-face interviews were conducted with parents. Data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically using NVivo software. Multiple and complex barriers to physical activity participation were described. Enabling and supportive programs are needed to improve physical activity participation and health outcomes of new migrants.

The value of culturedness: Bosnian and Hungarian migrants' experiences of belonging in Australia

In this paper we investigate how the values of respect and dignity inform the ways migrants from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary in Australia locate themselves in relation to local, national and transnational identities. Drawing upon ethnographic insights, we discuss how the concept of culturedness is implicated in these migrant claims for dignified belonging. Determinants of culturedness are informed by influential narratives of ‘East versus West’, ‘Balkan versus Europe’, the ‘New World (Australia) versus the Old World’ (Europe). Implicit within these discourses are attempts to demarcate civilisational distinctions. We argue that dignified belonging for people from these migrant communities in Australia involves negotiating identification with culturedness and positioning themselves on the right side of the civilised/primitive divide. This collaboration draws attention to the significance of ontological security through respect within the shared discourses and experiences of belonging for members of these two migrant groups in Australia.

Having Enough Cultural Food? A Qualitative Exploration of the Experiences of Migrants in a Regional Area of Australia

&lt;p&gt;The notion of food security encompasses the ability of individuals, households and communities to acquire food that is healthy, sustainable, affordable, appropriate and accessible. Despite Australia’s current ability to produce more food than required for its population, there has been substantial evidence demonstrating that many Australians struggle to feed themselves, particularly those from a cultural and linguistically diverse (CALD) background. This qualitative phenomenological study investigated the experiences of food security among migrants in a regional area of Australia (Tasmania).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;33 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Tasmanian migrants. The interviews were analysed thematically using Nvivo 10.0 and three main themes emerged: (1) migrant’s experiences of food security in Tasmania; (2) the factors that influence migrant food security in Tasmania; and (3) acculturation strategies. Participants were satisfied with their current food security in Tasmania but they still encountered some challenges in the availability, accessibility and affordability of healthy and cultural food. Factors that influenced their food security were educational background, the language barrier, socioeconomic status, geographical isolation, and their cultural background. Migrants managed to adapt to the new food culture by using different acculturation strategies.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Migrants residing in Tasmania encounter a diverse number of challenges pertaining to food security and use different food security strategies while acculturating to the new environment. These findings may inform other migrant communities in Australia, relevant non-government organisations and government departments and suggest strategies to address food security challenges among migrants.&lt;/p&gt;

Breaking down the barriers: a qualitative study to understand child oral health in refugee and migrant communities in Australia

Objective. Australia is an increasingly multicultural nation. Never before has the dental workforce been exposed to such language, cultural, religious and ethnic diversity. There is evidence that refugee and migrant children experience significantly poorer oral health than the nonmigrant population. However, little is known about the oral health knowledge, practices and beliefs of parents with young children from refugee and migrant backgrounds. The aim of this study was to identify the sociocultural influences on child oral health in these communities.Design. Participatory and qualitative research methods were utilised. Partnerships were established with community agencies representing migrants from Iraq, Lebanon and Pakistan. Focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were conducted with community members. Qualitative data were analysed thematically, combining focus group and interview data.Results. Over 100 women participated in focus groups (n = 11) and semi-structured interviews (n = 7). Key findings included the knowledge, beliefs and practices concerning: caries risk factors, oral health practices and oral health literacy. Despite mothers' knowledge of the major causes of poor oral health – dietary changes, confusion about child oral hygiene practices and limited oral health literacy all influenced child oral health outcomes.Conclusion. This culturally competent qualitative study explores the sociocultural factors influencing child oral health in refugee and migrant communities. Understanding and acknowledging these factors are a prerequisite to determining where and how to intervene to improve oral health. Furthermore, it has implications for both dental and non-dental health professionals working to reduce health inequalities within such communities.

Mansions in Maroubra

Jews of South African origin make up approximately one out of every seven or eight Jews in Australia. In studies of migrant communities in Australia, South African Jews are seen as uncontroversial and unproblematic, and therefore, somehow unworthy of further analysis. This article argues that it is precisely the uncontroversial nature of South African Jewish migration to Australia that is interesting. How are South African Jews able to make themselves at home in Australia? In this article, I draw on interviews with South African Jews who have come to Australia since 2000, and who have settled in Sydney. This is a qualitative study of their migration experience. How do they understand their migration? What constitutes home for them? What is it about Australian society that allows South African Jews to make home here with such apparent ease? Their experience offers broader insights into the nature of Australian multiculturalism in the early twenty-first century.This article has been peer-reviewed.

Examining demographic and socio‐economic correlates of accurate knowledge about blood donation among African migrants in Australia

To develop and test a knowledge questionnaire about blood donation in African migrant communities in Australia, which is applicable to other communities, and to assess the relationship between the demographic and socio-economic characteristics and knowledge of the African migrant community. Using a cross-sectional survey of 425 African migrants and refugees living in Victoria and South Australia, we assessed the knowledge questionnaire for readability, item difficulty, point-biserial correlation and reliability. The relationships between demographic and socio-economic factors and knowledge about blood donation were then evaluated using hierarchical multiple regression. The knowledge scale was found to have good psychometric properties and to be reliable: a Flesch reading ease score of 64.7; an average index of item difficulty of 0.42; a point-biserial correlation of 0.38 and a Kuder-Richardson-20 coefficient of 0.78 indicating strong internal consistency. A quarter of respondents (26.1%; 95% CI: 21.9, 30.3) had poor knowledge about issues related to blood donation; 51.1% (95% CI: 46.3, 55.8) had moderate knowledge and 22.8% (95% CI: 18.8, 26.8) were highly knowledgeable. Factors associated with blood donation knowledge were religion, pre-migration area of residence, country of birth, length of stay in Australia, and previous blood donation status. Age, gender, educational attainment, migration and employment status were non-significant. Knowledge and awareness of issues associated with blood donation is important in regard to blood donation decisions, and this article has developed a measure using African migrant communities in Australia that has appropriate psychographic properties. The measure can, therefore, be used by researchers when studying the role of knowledge in relation to blood donation across cultural groups in Australia and other countries. It also identifies that demographic characteristics affect knowledge, which suggests that targeted interventions might be needed, especially when dealing with migrant and refugee communities.