Living a Healthy Life in Australia: Exploring Influences on Health for Refugees from Myanmar

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Bwe Thay¹  CarrieK. Wong²  Annie-ClaudeM. Lassemillante²  Carolynne White² 

[1] Office of Pro-Vice Chancellor (Student Engagement), Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn 3122, Australia;School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn 3122, Australia;

关键词: migrants;    refugees;    asylum seekers;    adults;    health promotion;    primary health care;    community-based participatory research;    focus groups;    social support;    work;    education;    access to healthcare;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph17010121

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Background: Humanitarian migrants from Myanmar represent a significant refugee group in Australia; however, knowledge of their health needs and priorities is limited. This study aims to explore the meaning and influencers of health from the perspectives of refugees from Myanmar. Method: Using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) design, a partnership was formed between the researchers, Myanmar community leaders and other service providers to inform study design. A total of 27 participants were recruited from a government-funded English language program. Data were collected using a short demographic survey and four focus groups, and were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis methods. Results: Key themes identified included: (1) health according to the perspectives of Australian settled refugees from Myanmar, (2) social connections and what it means to be part of community, (3) work as a key influence on health, and (4) education and its links with work and health. Conclusions: This study outlined the inter-relationships between health, social connections, work and education from the perspectives of refugees from Myanmar. It also outlined how people from Myanmar who are of a refugee background possess strengths that can be used to manage the various health challenges they face in their new environment.

【 授权许可】

Unknown