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Chaudhry A, Hebert-Beirne J, Alessi EJ, Khuzam MZ, Mitchell U, Molina Y, Wasfie D, Fox S, Abboud S. Exploring the Health Impact of Intersectional Minority Identity Stressors on Arab Sexual Minority Women Migrants to the United States. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:10497323241265288. [PMID: 39172019 DOI: 10.1177/10497323241265288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Using an intersectionality lens and the minority stress theory as our theoretical grounding, this qualitative study is the first to examine the mental health of Arab sexual minority women (SMW) migrants to the United States. The study aimed to (1) explore the perceptions and experiences of intersectional minority identity-related life stressors and (2) discern their impact on the mental health of first-generation Arab SMW migrants. From December 2022 to March 2023, we conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with Arab SMW migrants. Guided by principles of community engagement in research, four community advisors, including three Arab SMW migrants and a mental health service provider, assisted in mock interviews, recruitment, and data analysis. This enriched our thematic analysis providing a nuanced understanding of Arab SMW migrant experiences. Participants reflected diverse nationalities, socioeconomic statuses, and religions and identified as lesbian, bisexual, or queer. Our sample included asylum seekers, documented migrants, and non-binary individuals (assigned female at birth). Findings revealed three major themes: (1) Community- and Interpersonal-Level Stressors, (2) Strategies for Coping with Stressors, and (3) Impact of Intersectional Life Stressors on Mental Health. Community- and interpersonal-level stressors included challenges navigating migration-related stressors, rejection and discrimination from the Arab, queer, and dominant-group (i.e., non-Arab, non-White) communities, and experiences of invalidation of their intersectional identities. Coping mechanisms included avoidance, identity concealment, and seeking social support. Participants reported various mental health impacts, from anxiety, depression to suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the urgency for tailored interventions. Participants called for the development of support groups specifically for Arab SMW migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aeysha Chaudhry
- School of Public Health, Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jennifer Hebert-Beirne
- School of Public Health, Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Edward J Alessi
- School of Social Work, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Maya Z Khuzam
- Department of Political Science Ann Arbor, University of Michigan, MI, USA
| | - Uchechi Mitchell
- School of Public Health, Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yamile Molina
- School of Public Health, Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dhuha Wasfie
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Samara Fox
- Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Abboud
- College of Nursing, Department of Human Development Nursing Science, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Gottvall M, Kissiti R, Ainembabazi R, Bergman H, Eldebo A, Isaac R, Yasin S, Jirwe M, Carlsson T. Mental health and societal challenges among forced migrants of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions: health professionals' descriptions and interpretations. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2024; 26:1088-1103. [PMID: 38250794 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2023.2298479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore health professionals' descriptions and interpretations of post-migration mental health and societal challenges among forced migrants with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. Participants representing seven professions were recruited by a combination of convenience, purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected through focus groups and individual interviews, analysed with systematic text condensation in a collaborative process involving researchers, clinicians and migrants with lived experiences. Participants described a challenging trajectory for migrants, as migrants venture through an uncertain and demanding journey impacting their mental health. Needing to deal with legal requirements, stressful circumstances and normative expectations during the asylum process were highlighted as major challenges, along with exposure to discrimination, violence, abuse and lack of psychosocial safety. Participants described significant psychological distress among migrants, including loneliness and shame. Challenges were also recognised related to exploring, accepting and expressing sexuality and gender. Loneliness and shame are major challenges in need of further attention in research, which could be addressed through the development and evaluation of actions, programmes and interventions to provide peer support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gottvall
- The Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden
- The Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rogers Kissiti
- The Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ronah Ainembabazi
- The Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Hannah Bergman
- The Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Anna Eldebo
- The Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Rummage Isaac
- The Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Sumera Yasin
- The Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Maria Jirwe
- The Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden
- The Division of Nursing, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Tommy Carlsson
- The Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden
- The Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Carlsson T, Isaac R, Ainembabazi R, Eldebo A, Yasin S, Gottvall M. Desiring support on a winding road with challenging intersections: Social and professional support for sexual minority forced migrant men. J Adv Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38808511 DOI: 10.1111/jan.16256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
AIM To explore experiences of social and health professional support among sexual minority forced migrant men. DESIGN Exploratory qualitative study. METHODS Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2023 with 15 participants recruited through convenience, purposive and snowball sampling. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed with systematic text condensation in a collaborative process between researchers and experts by lived experience. RESULTS The first category was 'desiring support along a road with challenging intersections'. Participants encountered a harsh reality and dangers in the host country. They sought social connections and communicated with others whilst in a social labyrinth within a new and reserved society. Although social support was desired and highly appreciated, the process involved a spectrum of both belonging and exclusion. The second category was 'navigating uncharted waters when seeking affirming health services'. A range of barriers to health services were encountered in a complex health system. Participants emphasized the importance of safe and affirming spaces that accommodate the vulnerability of disclosure. CONCLUSION Ensuring respectful and affirming support for sexual minority forced migrants is essential. Barriers in accessing health services need to be addressed, including informing about rights and ensuring safety. IMPLICATION FOR THE PROFESSIONAL AND PATIENT CARE Nurses and other health professionals can consider social support as a potentially valuable resource for health promotion. However, there is a need for more research investigating its mental health effects. IMPACT The intersectional disadvantages and discrimination encountered by sexual minority forced migrants call attention to the need for further advancements in inclusion health and affirming care. REPORTING METHOD This study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Three sexual minority forced migrants were members of the research team. They were involved in the data collection, analysis and reporting in close collaboration with researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommy Carlsson
- The Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- The Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Rummage Isaac
- The Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ronah Ainembabazi
- The Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Anna Eldebo
- The Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Sumera Yasin
- The Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Maria Gottvall
- The Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- The Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University, Huddinge, Sweden
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Panchenko S, Gabster A, Mayaud P, Erausquin JT. Sexual health challenges in migrant, immigrant, and displaced populations 2022-2023. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2024; 37:46-52. [PMID: 38054795 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews recently published research on sexual health challenges and HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among migrant, immigrant and displaced people (MIDP) worldwide. We aimed to identify current evidence gaps regarding HIV/STI epidemiology, sexual health needs and interventions. RECENT FINDINGS Incidence and prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and syphilis were higher among MIDP compared to host populations. However, research studies are limited in geographical distribution and few routine surveillance data are collected. Barriers to sexual health services use and participation in preventive interventions include low HIV/STI symptom knowledge and risk awareness, and intersectional experiences of stigma/discrimination. Better targeted promotion messages are needed to increase utilization of preventive sexual health interventions. SUMMARY Access to, and use of, sexual health services and interventions are evident needs among MIDP. These needs are intertwined with social determinants of health, including cultural/language barriers and stigma. Effective interventions require involvement of multiple stakeholder groups, encouraging engagement and providing social protection. Promising directions for interventions and further research include developing sexual health supportive environments through peer-strategies and provider training in trauma-informed care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofya Panchenko
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London, UK
| | - Amanda Gabster
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud
- National Research System, National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation, Panama City, Panama
- Center of Population Sciences for Health Equity, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Philippe Mayaud
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Toller Erausquin
- Center of Population Sciences for Health Equity, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
- University of North Carolina Greensboro, School of Health and Human Sciences, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
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Abboud S, Seal DW, Pachankis JE, Khoshnood K, Khouri D, Fouad FM, Heimer R. Experiences of stigma, mental health, and coping strategies in Lebanon among Lebanese and displaced Syrian men who have sex with men: A qualitative study. Soc Sci Med 2023; 335:116248. [PMID: 37742387 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Lebanon, men who have sex with men (MSM) face high rates of stigma, discrimination, and violence. Minority stress, or the unique stressors related to anti-MSM stigma and discrimination, negatively impacts the mental health of MSM. These stressors are heightened for those with intersectional minority identities such as displaced Syrian MSM in Lebanon. METHODS In this qualitative study conducted in 2020-21, part of a larger study focused on the mental and sexual health risks among MSM, we collected qualitative data from Lebanese and displaced Syrian MSM living in Lebanon and analyzed reports of their experiences with stigma, mental health, and coping strategies. We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 12 displaced Syrian MSM and 13 Lebanese MSM. RESULTS Our findings highlight how MSM in Lebanon navigate stigma and the mental health risks that result. Common stressors among Lebanese and displaced Syrian MSM were related to finances, sexual orientation discrimination, and social isolation. Comparing the two groups, we found that stressors specific to displaced Syrian MSM were related to adverse childhood experiences, recent exposure to the Syrian war, displacement, and discrimination in Lebanon based on their intersectional identities as MSM and Syrians. For Lebanese participants, the most common stigma coping strategies were avoidance, drinking alcohol, using drugs, or having sex. As for displaced Syrian MSM, the most common stigma coping strategy was seeking the freely available mental health services offered to them through non-governmental organizations. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that increased targeted mental health and social support interventions, informed by the unique experiences of Lebanese and displaced Syrian MSM, are highly needed to improve the coping and mental health resources of all MSM in Lebanon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Abboud
- University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing, 845 S. Damen Ave, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - David W Seal
- Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal St, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| | - John E Pachankis
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, 60 College St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Kaveh Khoshnood
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, 60 College St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Danielle Khouri
- American University of Beirut, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bliss Street, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fouad M Fouad
- American University of Beirut, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bliss Street, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Robert Heimer
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, 60 College St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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