Well-being Of Refugees Research Articles

EXPRESS: Resourcing Hope: Refugee Agentive Consumption Acts in Protracted Displacement

The global refugee crisis presents a complex challenge, with millions experiencing protracted displacement in inhospitable conditions. This study examines the lived experiences of Syrian refugee women in Lebanon, focusing on how they resource hope and maintain well-being amid forced liquidity and uncertainty. Drawing on ethnographic interviews with 26 Syrian refugee women, we uncover the profound effects of changed consumer roles and the critical function of agentive anchoring acts of consumption in resourcing hope. Our findings reveal that refugees employ four types of anchoring acts—domesticity, spirituality, self-care, and socializing—to momentarily restore normalcy, affirm dignity, and enhance well-being. These acts serve as vessels for resourcing and mobilizing hope, allowing refugees to ‘live through’ their present circumstances while aspiring for a better future. We introduce the concept of hope as a social resource that can be collectively shared and mobilized, highlighting the dynamic interplay between hope and hopelessness in refugee experiences. This research contributes to understanding how marketing and service systems can improve refugee well-being in protracted displacement, offering insights for stakeholders to create conditions that foster rather than inhibit subjective well-being among vulnerable consumers experiencing protracted displacement and involuntary liquidity in global modernity to resource hope.

A psychosocial bouldering intervention improves the well-being of young refugees and adolescents from the host community in Lebanon: results from a pragmatic controlled trial

BackgroundMental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) is increasingly considered vital for addressing the needs of displaced communities. The mental health of young people in Lebanon, including members of the host community and refugees, has been severely affected by multiple crises. Physical activity (PA) is an effective means for enhancing mental health, but evidence of PA’s impact on mental health among forcibly displaced populations is still emerging and often varies widely across studies.MethodIn this waitlist-controlled study, we examined the effectiveness of an 8-week psychosocial bouldering group intervention offered by the nonprofit organization ClimbAID on psychological well-being, distress, self-efficacy, and social cohesion in a group of mostly Syrian refugee adolescents residing in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. The intervention consisted of 8 sessions and took place once a week for 2 h in a group of up to 12 adolescents with 2 trained facilitators and up to 2 volunteers, supervised by a climbing instructor and a social worker. Multilevel analyses were performed for all outcomes.Results233 people were included in the study. The dropout rate was approximately 33%. The IG improved significantly more than the waitlist group in terms of overall mental well-being and psychological distress. Group allocation was a significant predictor of improvements in mental well-being and psychological distress and showed a trend toward predicting self-efficacy. There was no positive impact of the intervention on social cohesion.ConclusionsEven in complex humanitarian settings of forced displacement, a psychosocial bouldering intervention reduces psychological distress and increases well-being in a mixed group of host and refugee youth in Bekaa, Lebanon.Trial registrationProspectively registered with ISRCTN 13005983, registered April 1st, 2022.

REFUGEE STATUS AND TRANSFER TO THIRD COUNTRY: A CRITICAL APPRAISAL

The seminar paper, Refugee Status and Transfer to Third Country: A Critical Appraisal, explores the intricacies and difficulties linked to the transfer of refugees to third countries. The text delves into these transfers' legal and ethical aspects, emphasizing the possibility of diffusing responsibility and undermining refugee protection. The paper utilizes a qualitative research methodology, incorporating a thorough literature review, case studies, and document analysis to explore the legal frameworks, policy implications, and humanitarian consequences of refugee transfers. The study's findings highlight the intricate nature of refugee transfers, which aim to offer long-lasting solutions and ease the burden on frontline states but frequently encounter substantial obstacles. This study highlights the significance of strong legal and institutional frameworks, fair distribution of responsibilities, and a focus on human rights to safeguard the well-being and protection of refugees during transfer processes. The paper also emphasizes the possibility of responsibility diffusion and the politicization of refugee transfers, which can weaken the effectiveness of the international refugee protection regime. Ultimately, the paper argues for a fairer and more balanced approach to safeguarding refugees' well-being and human rights. It emphasizes the importance of upholding the dignity of refugees and fostering global collaboration and burden-sharing. There is a need to enhance legal and procedural safeguards, tackle the underlying factors that lead to forced displacement, and promote comprehensive integration programs in third countries. The study's theoretical framework and empirical analysis provide a more profound comprehension of the intricacies of refugee transfers and offer valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners involved in refugee protection.

Successful Refugee Cohabitation With Host Families: A Concept Analysis and Model Development.

Purpose: This concept analysis aims to address the gap in knowledge regarding the concept of successful refugee cohabitation with host families. It seeks to develop a conceptual model that integrates holistic nursing and healthcare practices into refugee cohabitation settings to enhance refugee well-being. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Walker and Avant's methodology for concept analysis. Findings: Successful refugee cohabitation with host families concept characterized by peaceful coexistence, power dynamics, hospitality, and cultural tolerance. Antecedents include refugee shelter needs, societal acceptance, humanitarian solidarity, and legal support. Consequences include refugee inclusion and integration, societal cohesion, psychological well-being, and refugee-host acceptance. Conclusions: Successful refugee cohabitation is defined as a private hosting arrangement that embodies shared living spaces and peaceful coexistence amid conflict or crises, fostering resilience and support for displaced individuals by local citizens. It combines hospitality, balanced power, and cultural tolerance, driven by refugee needs for shelter and a commitment to successful refugee settlement and integration. This hosting arrangement promotes societal development and cohesion, economic growth, psychological well-being, and foster inclusion and intergroup tolerance. The integration of holistic nursing principles into refugee cohabitation practices can foster more inclusive and healthy communities.

Impact of Forced Relocation and Community Integration on Household Well-being of Urban Refugees in Kenya

Forced displacement is a global issue that affects millions of people all over the world. Refugees are forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or other forms of violence. The majority of refugees often end up in urban areas, where they face numerous challenges, including social exclusion, limited access to basic services, and economic marginalization. This study examines the relationship between forced displacement, social cohesion, and household welfare outcomes of urban refugees in Kenya. The study utilized household data on urban refugees in Kenya sourced from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), 2020 [85], and, the Kenya Continuous Household Survey (KCHS), 2019 [41]. The study estimates were regressed using the Ordinary Least Squares method and diagnostic tests were done to determine the accuracy of the estimates. The study found that an additional member in an urban refugee household led to an asset increment of 6.7%. The study further found that an additional habitable dwelling in an urban refugee household increased family assets by 71.9%. Utilization of mobile banking services, having nuclear members abroad, and participation in community-based organizations also had a positive impact on family asset accumulation in a refugee household. The study also found that utilization of mobile money transfer (M-PESA), negatively influenced family assets. This study contributes to the literature on Urban refugees as it gives insights into factors that can improve welfare and enhance social cohesion between refugees and host communities in Kenya. Gaps have also been identified in the mandate of UNHCR beyond the camps and the role of the Kenyan Government in urban housing programs for refugees.

Is cultural appropriateness culturally specific? Intersectional insights from a community-based participatory mental health intervention study conducted with diverse cultural groups.

Growing evidence supports the importance of culturally appropriate mental health interventions, yet it is not always feasible to develop culturally grounded interventions or adapt existing interventions for each cultural group. In addition, these approaches do not recognize the multiple intersecting aspects of culture and identity that individuals, families, and communities possess. Thus, an essential question is whether culturally appropriate mental health interventions have to be culturally specific. We address this question by examining processes of the Refugee Well-being Project (RWP), a community-based mental health intervention for refugees resettled in the United States, which included people from multiple cultural groups (Afghanistan, Great Lakes region of Africa, Iraq, and Syria) and was grounded in common experiences of forcibly displaced people from marginalized backgrounds. RWP incorporates a practice-based concept of culture, an intersectional view of identity, and a multilevel approach to address postmigration stressors. Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with 290 participants at preintervention, followed by interviews at three timepoints with a purposively selected subsample (n = 66). Additional interviews (n = 101) were conducted with refugee and student partners. Four themes demonstrated key principles for creating culturally appropriate interventions with diverse groups: (a) recognize cultural complexity in practice; (b) focus on how racism and discrimination are experienced in everyday life; (c) de-center dominant US culture; and (d) create an egalitarian, inclusive space to put principles into action. We conclude that mental health interventions implemented with multiple, diverse groups can be culturally appropriate and effective without being culturally specific.

Between hope and cruel optimism? The dangers and possibilities of football in fostering hope for male refugees

ABSTRACT An ongoing debate exists on the role of sport for fostering hope in the lives of marginalised communities. Research acknowledges the complexity of agency, hope and emotions within sport in the lives of forced migrants and the danger of evangelical beliefs when thinking of hope as a solution to social problems. This paper presents the case of the ongoing Mediterranean crossings, where asylum-seekers go through deadly journeys to reach safety in Europe. It explores how the interplay between hope and football shapes their journeys, and how the widely popularised dreams of football success can result in extreme consequences for those willing to pursue them. It does so by taking into account primary data (n = 29 refugee participants) and secondary biographical data, of both accomplished footballers and aspiring footballers with a refugee background. Results show that there is a crucial necessity to acknowledge the multiplicity of identities and experiences contained within the refugee label. Attempts to associate refugees with conditions of stardom can be counterproductive towards beneficial outcomes, to the extent of being dangerous. Nonetheless, not all hope should be lost. The paper presents alternative avenues to better address the concept of hope in football for refugee well-being.

The economic impact of COVID-19 on Syrian Refugees in Jordan: A review of existing evidence and policies

The global COVID-19 crisis has precipitated an economic downturn in many countries, subsequently raising concerns about the potential challenges faced by marginalized populations, such as refugees, in accessing essential healthcare, hygiene facilities, and critical health information and safety guidelines within the context of Jordan. Consequently, it is of paramount importance to investigate and evaluate the specific economic hurdles related to COVID-19 that refugees are encountering. This inquiry will serve as a valuable foundation for shaping public health interventions aimed at containing the virus’s spread and guiding policymakers on strategies to enhance the well-being of refugees in Jordan. This paper offers a comprehensive examination of Syrian refugees in Jordan, including an analysis of the policies implemented by Jordan concerning Syrian refugees in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the report assesses whether international assistance, both through bilateral and multilateral channels, can mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Jordan’s capacity to continue hosting Syrian refugees. It also delves into the economic consequences of COVID-19, covering aspects such as poverty, education, the health sector budget, healthcare accessibility, essential needs, livelihoods, the labor market, and food security among Syrian refugees in Jordan.

Impact of Non-Conventional Water Use Development on the Well-Being of Refugees in Jordan

Impact of Non-Conventional Water Use Development on the Well-Being of Refugees in Jordan

Health and well-being of refugee women in sex work: A systematic literature review

Introduction: Refugees face many barriers when arriving in a new country, and these barriers are especially felt by women, who often travel alone or with children. These barriers create a situation where some women turn to sex work, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Both refugees and sex workers face adversities related to their mental health and well-being, however little research has examined the intersections between both identities outside of STI incidence and violence. Objective: This systematic literature review aimed to explore mental health and overall well-being of women refugees who engage in sex work. Themes were extracted to better understand experiences to inform clinical and community practice. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using PsycInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and Medline, as well as grey literature for articles published between 2013 and 2023. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research was used to evaluate the quality of the primary research articles. 11 articles were included in the final synthesis. Results: The five themes included Fear, Mental/Psychological Health, Social Well-being, Economic/Financial Well-being, and Spiritual Struggles. These themes were interconnected to shape the experiences of these women within their circumstances. Engaging in sex work as a refugee, particularly in instances of sex trafficking, created significant challenges in all aspects of well-being, and the circumstances related to being a refugee often increased vulnerabilities to become involved in sex work for survival. Conclusion: These results suggest the need for policies, community programs, and clinical practice protocols to address the unique needs of women refugees to mitigate factors drawing them to sex work, and better support those who are currently involved in it.

Psycho-social Stressors Experienced by Young war Refugees in Developed Countries: A Scoping Review.

Refugees escaping political unrest and war are an especially vulnerable group. Arrival in high-income countries (HICs) is associated with a 'new type of war', as war refugees experience elevated rates of psycho-social and daily stressors. The purpose of this scoping review is to examine literature on psycho-social stressors amongst young war refugees in HICs and impact of stressors on intergenerational transmission of trauma within parent-child dyads. The secondary objectives are to identify the pre-migration versus post-migration stressors and provide a basis to inform future research projects that aim to lessen the burden of stress and inform evidence-based improvements in this population. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Scoping Review Extension (PRISMA-ScR) guided the reporting of this review that was performed using a prescribed scoping review method. Extracted from five databases, 23 manuscripts published in 2010 or later met the inclusion criteria. Three themes emerged: pre-migration stressors, migration journey stressors and uncertainty, and post-migration stressors. While post-migration environments can mitigate the health and well-being of war refugees, socio-cultural barriers that refugees often experience at the host country prevent or worsen their psycho-social recovery. To assist the success of war refugees in HICs, therapeutic interventions must follow an intersectional approach and there needs to be a wider application of trauma informed models of care. Findings of this review may help inform future intervention studies aiming to improve the psycho-social health of this population.

An educational approach to develop intercultural nursing care for refugees from Ukraine: A qualitative study.

To describe how nurses and nursing students in Poland and the United States perceive the practice of intercultural care of refugees from Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainian citizens sought safety in other countries when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Nurses in Poland and the United States are positioned to provide nursing care for refugees from Ukraine yet lack intercultural knowledge, skills, and attitudes to meet refugee needs. This education-focused qualitative description study was conducted in Spring 2023. Eighteen MSN and BSN students from one university in Poland and one university in the United States completed an international virtual exchange course that concentrated on the health and well-being of refugees from Ukraine. Students' reflection papers generated the data for this study. Content analysis was used to systematically structure the data, and themes were inductively derived for an initial understanding of intercultural care for refugees. The COREQ guidelines were followed for reporting study findings. Major themes were troubled communication, overlooked trauma-informed care, and compromised vaccine status. Language differences, a gap in nursing knowledge, and cultural variations impeded intercultural care. To address intercultural care for refugees from Ukraine, macro- and microlevel factors should be considered. Healthcare facilities need certified interpreters or adequate language-access technology for nurses. Nursing programs might evaluate content on trauma-informed care and cultural competency to meet the needs of war-affected refugees. Leaders from Ukrainian refugee communities could partner with nurses to deliver culturally relevant information to increase vaccine uptake. Nurses should advocate for inclusion of the WHO competency standards of care for refugees in healthcare policies with emphasis on communication and evidence-informed practice. Placing Ukrainian community leaders on health councils could bridge the gap between refugees and mainstream society.

The Resettlement Journey: Understanding The Role of Social Connectedness on Well-being and Life Satisfaction among (Im)migrants and Refugees: A Systematic Review.

In the context of rising global migration and/or forced displacement, there is a pressing need to consider the well-being and life satisfaction of (im)migrants and refugees during resettlement. Research highlights the importance of social connectedness for (im)migrants and refugees during the resettlement phase. Yet, a critical gap remains in our understanding of the key characteristics through which social connections exert their influence on well-being and life satisfaction. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing international literature on social connectedness and its impact on the well-being and life satisfaction of (im)migrants and refugees in post-migration contexts. Our analysis of 43 studies finds that social connectedness, in the form of social support and social networks, is beneficial for well-being and life satisfaction during resettlement. In addition to social support from individual network ties, community engagement can also enhance well-being by facilitating a sense of belonging. All 43 studies focused on psychological well-being and 69.8% relied on cross-sectional data. The findings of this review emphasise the need for longitudinal studies and standardised measurement tools to capture the dynamic interplay between social connectedness and well-being across various domains (psychological, physical, general/subjective) in migrant populations. We draw on the findings to propose a new conceptual model of the dynamic association between social connectedness and well-being/life satisfaction that seeks to explore these relationships in future empirical studies.

Social work with encamped refugees: reflections from Tongogara refugee camp in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT In this article, we draw on our joint experiences as social work practitioners and researchers in a rights-restricting practice context, a refugee camp. We reflect on social workers’ roles in navigating the conundrum, that is, advocating against and in some unfortunate instances, perpetuating exclusionary systems. Refugee camps are physical zones designed to disentitle refugees of rights reserved for citizens. Faced with structural restrictions, social workers working with refugees have negotiated for rights with and on behalf of their clients at the center of their practice. We offer accounts of contextual application of anti-oppressive social work approaches for refugee wellbeing and access to rights like shelter, water, food, health, education, livelihoods, nutrition, sanitation, and protection. In the second half of our analysis, we offer a critical analysis of human rights education in Zimbabwean schools of social work given the manifest rights violations in the country’s refugee welfare practice context. We examine the extent to which the pedagogy of human rights and notions of indiscriminate human development, democracy, and justice are infused in curricula to equip aspirant social workers with the requisite skills to transform their practice orientation from social control to the social change function which the practice context demands.

The Experiences of Refugees in Host Communities

Purpose: This study sought to examine the experiences of refugees in host communities. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the experiences of refugees in host communities. Preliminary empirical review revealed that refugees encountered multifaceted challenges, including language barriers, discrimination, and limited access to education and employment opportunities, shaping their integration experiences. Positive host community attitudes and inclusive government policies were found to facilitate integration, while negative attitudes hindered social inclusion. Community support networks played a crucial role in fostering refugees' sense of belonging and social cohesion. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of a holistic and rights-based approach to refugee integration, emphasizing collaboration between stakeholders to promote empathy, understanding, and cooperation among host community members and refugees, thus fostering inclusive and resilient societies. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Identity theory, Acculturation theory and Ecological Systems theory may be used to anchor future studies the experiences of refugees in host communities. The study provided valuable recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy in the field of refugee studies. It recommended further theoretical development to understand refugee experiences better and emphasized community-based initiatives for fostering positive interactions between refugees and host community members. Additionally, the study called for comprehensive integration policies, targeted interventions for vulnerable subgroups, and research-informed policymaking and practice. These recommendations aimed to create inclusive environments and promote the long-term integration and well-being of refugees in host communities.

Medical Interpreting Services for Refugees in Canada: Current State of Practice and Considerations in Promoting this Essential Human Right for All.

Language barriers, specifically among refugees, pose significant challenges to delivering quality healthcare in Canada. While the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the emergence and development of innovative alternatives such as telephone-based and video-conferencing medical interpreting services and AI tools, access remains uneven across Canada. This comprehensive analysis highlights the absence of a cohesive national strategy, reflected in diverse funding models employed across provinces and territories, with gaps and disparities in access to medical interpreting services. Advocating for medical interpreting, both as a moral imperative and a prudent investment, this article draws from human rights principles and ethical considerations, justified in national and international guidelines, charters, codes and regulations. Substantiated by a cost-benefit analysis, it emphasizes that medical interpreting enhances healthcare quality and preserves patient autonomy. Additionally, this article illuminates decision-making processes for utilizing interpreting services; recognizing the pivotal roles of clinicians, interpreters, patients and caregivers within the care circle; appreciating intersectional considerations such as gender, culture and age, underscoring the importance of a collaborative approach. Finally, it provides recommendations at provider, organizational and system levels to ensure equitable access to this right and to promote the health and well-being of refugees and other individuals facing language barriers within Canada's healthcare system.

A Report on the Impact of Immigration Detention on the Health and Well-being of Refugees & Asylum Seekers

The extended periods that some asylum seekers experience in immigration detention potentially compromise their mental health and physical well-being. This compromise is associated with the prevailing culture and conditions within some immigration detention facilities in Western countries, such as Australia, Canada and Germany. This review aims to synthesise the findings of studies that report on the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers while they have been held in immigration detention. A meta-ethnographic approach guided the synthesis following the eMERGe meta-ethnography reporting guidance structure. Three common storyline metaphors were identified from the synthesis of findings of seven qualitative studies: (1) treating like criminals, jail-like, prison-like, and treated like animals; (2) killing your mind and torturing your mind; and (3) feelings of hopelessness, worry, despair and fear. The findings of this review suggest that the culture and the practices of immigration detention that impact refugees and asylum seekers who are detained for sometimes extended periods need to be transformed. The time that people are held in detention and the context for that detention needs urgent review. While immigration detention is legislated and enacted differently in the countries where the included studies were located, Government policies should consider alternative approaches such as community detention. Regular monitoring of immigration detention practices by external bodies should be mandated, and ongoing staff training for workers in detention facilities should be instituted to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are treated fairly and with dignity when detained.

A conceptual framework on pre- and post-displacement stressors: the case of Syrian refugees.

Researchers have documented multiple stressors and mental health problems along the journey of refugees as they are displaced to seek refuge in nearby and remote host countries. This article examines published research on Syrian refugees to propose a framework to conceptualize Syrian refugees' pre- and post-stressors and their collective impact on their mental health. The proposed framework provides a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected pathways between pre-displacement stressors, post-displacement stressors, and mental health outcomes for Syrian refugees. Pre-displacement stressors are best captured by the concept of trauma centrality and emotional suppression. Post-displacement stressors, categorized under financial, political, and social themes, have a direct impact on the mental health of the refugees, but could also play a partial mediating role on the impact of pre-displacement stressors on mental health. The framework suggests a direct pathway between the experience of war-related traumatic events and mental health and introduces the country of residence as a potential moderator of the severity of mental health. The latter is primarily influenced by local policies and the host communities' acceptance of refugees. We believe that the proposed framework can guide the work of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners concerned with the mental health and well-being of Syrian refugees. Additionally, although based on the experience of Syrian refugees, it presents a holistic perspective that could be adapted in other refugee settings.

The Legal Regulations and Governmental Approaches towards Refugees in Jordan

Jordan has long been a refuge for those fleeing conflict and persecution in neighbouring countries. As a result, the country has developed a robust set of laws and policies to protect refugees and provide them with the support they need to rebuild their lives. In this context, understanding the refugee laws in Jordan is crucial for anyone interested in the welfare of refugees and the broader humanitarian crisis in the region. With over 750,000 registered refugees, Jordan is home to one of the largest refugee populations in the world. The country has been praised for its generosity and commitment to protecting refugees, but also faces significant challenges in providing for the needs of such a large and diverse population. Understanding the legal framework that governs refugees in Jordan is essential to addressing these challenges and improving the lives of those affected by conflict and displacement. The ongoing conflict in Syria has resulted in a massive influx of refugees into neighbouring countries, including Jordan. To meet the needs of this growing population, the Jordanian government has established a set of laws and policies designed to provide refugees with protection, assistance, and access to essential services. This legal framework is a critical component of the countrys humanitarian response to the Syrian crisis and plays an essential role in the lives of hundreds of thousands of refugees living in Jordan.

The role of temporality in adolescent refugees' sense of well-being.

Adolescent refugees confront a complex interplay of trauma arising from forced displacement, resettlement, and the challenges of transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Using photovoice methodology, this study engaged 14 Iraqi and Syrian adolescent refugees now residing in the United States with the aim to illuminate their well-being experiences. Our findings show that temporal continuities and discontinuities in adolescent refugees' lives contributed to their sense of well-being by helping satisfy their basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, relatedness, and safety. Temporal continuities involved drawing upon past resources and formulating future career aspirations based on present experiences. Temporal discontinuities encompassed contrasting past and present and processing adversities endured. This study underscores that, beyond current circumstances, the interpretation of life experiences over extended timeframes influences the well-being of adolescent refugees.