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García-León A, Granero-Molina J, Jiménez-Lasserrotte MDM. Sub-Saharan Irregular Migrant Women's Sexuality: A Qualitative Study in Humanitarian Reception Centers. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1068. [PMID: 38891143 PMCID: PMC11172193 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12111068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Irregular female migration to Europe is a growing phenomenon, as more and more women are fleeing their countries of origin due to gender inequality and violence. During the migration process, women experience physical, psychological and social problems that affect their sex lives. The aim of our study is to describe and understand how irregular migrant women living in humanitarian reception centers experience their sexuality at different stages of the migration process. This qualitative phenomenological study collected data through sixteen in-depth interviews with irregular migrant women between January and February 2023. Data analysis was carried out using ATLAS-ti 23.0 software, from which three themes were extracted: (1) The reality of sub-Saharan women's sexuality, (2) In search of a better life: the choice between taking the risk or surrendering, and (3) The sexual revolution among migrants. Sub-Saharan women's sexuality is subject to a complex normative order. The migratory process has severe consequences on migrant women's sex life. The sexual needs of irregular migrant women admitted to humanitarian reception centers undergo a process of change that must be understood by healthcare providers in order to make improvements to care provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia García-León
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain;
| | - José Granero-Molina
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain;
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 7500000, Chile
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García-López DDM, Jiménez-Lasserrotte MDM, Briones-Vozmediano É, Ruiz-Fernández MD, Hernández-Padilla JM, Granero-Molina J. Experiences of male irregular migrants during their migration process and reception in Spain: lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1387715. [PMID: 38706544 PMCID: PMC11066255 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1387715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The causes behind migration movements are complex. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how several countries failed to respond to the virus adequately, while simultaneously infringing on people's rights. Male irregular migrants fled their countries of origin and embarked on a perilous migration journey to Spain. The highly restrictive COVID-19 measures and border closures affected the mobility of male irregular migrants, whose reception in the host country posed a challenge. It led to the establishment of emergency facilities to accommodate male irregular migrants affected by COVID-19, which had repercussions on their mental health. The aim of this study was to describe and understand the experiences of male irregular migrants throughout their migration process and reception in Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Qualitative descriptive study. Sixteen male irregular migrants participated in this study. Data were collected between January and March 2023 through 16 one-on-one in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data using ATLAS.ti computer software. Results Three main themes emerged: (1) How the COVID-19 pandemic drove male irregular migrants to leave their countries of origin, (2) How COVID-19 lockdown policies affected the migration journey, and (3) Receiving male irregular migrants in a pandemic: a housing labyrinth marked by isolation and loneliness. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic increased the social, employment and health inequalities experienced by male irregular migrants. Border closures exacerbated the migration journey and the social stigmatization of this group, who were seen as carriers of the virus in both transit and host countries. Strict control measures in emergency and reception facilities had a significant psychological impact on the male irregular migrants due to the social isolation they experienced. Health institutions should develop programs to guarantee the care needs of irregular migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Érica Briones-Vozmediano
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Grupo de Estudios en Sociedad, Salud, Educación y Cultura (GESEC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación en Cuidados en Salud del Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Lleida (GRECS IRB Lleida), Lleida, Spain
| | | | | | - José Granero-Molina
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
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Lindert J, Samkange-Zeeb F, Jakubauskiene M, Bain PA, Mollica R. Factors Contributing to Resilience Among First Generation Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A Systematic Review. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1606406. [PMID: 38146483 PMCID: PMC10749365 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: We aimed at 1) collating and evaluating the current evidence on factors contributing to resilience of adult transnational migrants, 2) identifying methodological factors which contribute to the findings, 3) identifying and analyzing promotive and preventive factors contributing to the findings. Methods: A systematic search for relevant studies published until 2021 was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, PTSDPubs, and Web of Science. Both, quantitative and qualitative peer-reviewed observational studies reporting on resilience and wellbeing, sense of coherence, or post-traumatic growth outcomes among transnational migrants (aged 18+). Risk of Bias was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program for qualitative studies and the Appraisal Tool for cross-sectional studies. Due to the heterogeneity of studies we did a narrative review. Results: Database search yielded 3,756 unique records, of those n = 80 records, representing n = 76 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies provided knowledge on resilience for n = 9,845 transnational migrants across 23 countries. All studies except two were cross sectional. N = 45 reported on resilience, n = 4 on Sense of Coherence and n = 15 on Post-Traumatic Growth. The study methods were not related to the findings. Future orientation, hope and religion/spirituality, caring for others and having opportunities were shown to be more pertinent to resilience outcomes than institutional care structures. Conclusion: Our findings highlight that mental health professionals and policymakers should try to support positive perspectives for the future and encourage policies tailored towards giving refugees opportunities to work, learn and care and to help others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutta Lindert
- Department of Health and Social Work, University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer, Emden, Germany
- Women’s Research Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, United States
| | | | | | - Paul A. Bain
- Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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James PB, Gatwiri K, Mwanri L, Wardle J. Impacts of COVID-19 on African Migrants' Wellbeing, and Their Coping Strategies in Urban and Regional New South Wales, Australia: a Qualitative Study. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01806-z. [PMID: 37768537 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01806-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM As the COVID-19 pandemic response continues to evolve, the need to protect more vulnerable populations in society becomes more apparent. Studies are still emerging on how different population groups have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study explored the impact of COVID-19 for African migrants in New South Wales, Australia, and their coping strategies. METHODS We employed inductive, exploratory qualitative interpretive research design using individual semi-structured in-depth interviews with 21 African migrants. RESULTS COVID-19 lockdowns disrupted the African sense of community. Social isolation, financial insecurity due to joblessness, or reduced working hours led to stress, frustration, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and depression. On the other hand, COVID-19 lockdowns allowed for more family time, reflecting, and appreciating the gift of life and personal intellectual growth. Despite such challenges, there was much community support, especially from religious organisations. Support from government agencies was available, but access was hampered by misinformation, digital literacy, and immigration status. Holding on to religion and faith was a key coping mechanism, followed by indulging in self-care practices such as healthy eating, exercise, Yoga, meditation, sleep, and limited interaction with social media. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 lockdown disrupted the collectivist culture of African migrants and had untoward socioeconomic impacts that affected their wellbeing, many of which reflect an exacerbation of pre-existing inequities. To ensure that African migrant COVID-19-related health and wellbeing needs are met, the African migrant community must be actively involved in every facet of the NSW COVID-19 and other future outbreak response efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bai James
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia.
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
| | - Kathomi Gatwiri
- Centre for Children & Young People, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Lillian Mwanri
- Centre for Public Health, Equity and Human Flourishing, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Jon Wardle
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia
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Migliorini L, Olcese M, Cardinali P, Prestia D. Community resilience among Ukrainian refugees: what is the role of the host community in recovery from forced migration? Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1206304. [PMID: 37599879 PMCID: PMC10435247 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1206304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Migliorini
- Department of Educational Science, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Martina Olcese
- Department of Educational Science, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Mwanri L, Fauk NK, Mude W, Gesesew HA. Migration, Resilience, Vulnerability and Migrants' Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11525. [PMID: 36141792 PMCID: PMC9517352 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Migration has always been a feature of human populations, with people migrating and crisscrossing the globe for a wide range of reasons [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Mwanri
- Research Centre for Public Health Policy, Torrens University, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Nelsensius Klau Fauk
- Research Centre for Public Health Policy, Torrens University, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - William Mude
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Norman Gardens, QLD 4701, Australia
| | - Hailay Abrha Gesesew
- Research Centre for Public Health Policy, Torrens University, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle 1871, Tigray, Ethiopia
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Mwanri L, Fauk NK, Ziersch A, Gesesew HA, Asa GA, Ward PR. Post-Migration Stressors and Mental Health for African Migrants in South Australia: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137914. [PMID: 35805574 PMCID: PMC9265307 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a qualitative study involving African migrants (n = 20) and service providers (n = 10) in South Australia to explore mental health stressors, access to mental health services and how to improve mental health services for African migrant populations. This paper presents the views and experiences of African migrants about the post-migration stressors they faced in resettlement that pose mental health challenges. The participants were recruited using the snowball sampling technique. To align with the COVID-19 pandemic protocol, the data collection was conducted using one-on-one online interviews through Zoom or WhatsApp video calls. Data analysis was guided by the framework analysis. The post-migration stressors, including separation from family members and significant others, especially spouses, imposed significant difficulties on care provision and in managing children’s attitudes and behavior-related troubles at school. African cultural practices involving the community, especially elders in care provision and disciplining children, were not consistent with Australian norms, compounding the mental health stressors for all involved. The African cultural norms, that do not allow young unmarried people to live together, also contributed to child–parent conflicts, enhancing parental mental stressors. Additionally, poor economic conditions and employment-related difficulties were post-migration stressors that the participants faced. The findings indicate the need for policy and intervention programs that address the above challenges. The provision of interventions, including social support such as subsidized or free childcare services, could help leverage their time and scheduled paid employment, creating time for effective parenting and improving their mental health and wellbeing. Future studies exploring what needs to be achieved by government and non-governmental institutions to support enhanced access to social and employment opportunities for the African migrant population are also recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Mwanri
- Research Centre for Public Health Policy, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (N.K.F.); (H.A.G.); (G.A.A.); (P.R.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nelsensius Klau Fauk
- Research Centre for Public Health Policy, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (N.K.F.); (H.A.G.); (G.A.A.); (P.R.W.)
- Institute of Resource Governance and Social Change, Kupang 85227, Indonesia
| | - Anna Ziersch
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia;
| | - Hailay Abrha Gesesew
- Research Centre for Public Health Policy, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (N.K.F.); (H.A.G.); (G.A.A.); (P.R.W.)
- College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 231, Tigray, Ethiopia
| | - Gregorius Abanit Asa
- Research Centre for Public Health Policy, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (N.K.F.); (H.A.G.); (G.A.A.); (P.R.W.)
| | - Paul Russell Ward
- Research Centre for Public Health Policy, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (N.K.F.); (H.A.G.); (G.A.A.); (P.R.W.)
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Kalemba J. The coloniality of labor: Migrant Black African youths' experiences of looking for and finding work in an Australian deindustrializing city. GENDER WORK AND ORGANIZATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/gwao.12873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Kalemba
- University of Newcastle Callaghan Australia
- The Centre for Decent Work and Industry Queensland University of Technology (QUT) QUT Business School Brisbane Australia
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Pelters P, Hertting K, Kostenius C, Lindgren EC. "This Group is Like a Home to Me:" understandings of health of LGBTQ refugees in a Swedish health-related integration intervention: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1246. [PMID: 35739521 PMCID: PMC9229128 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13641-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When large numbers of asylum seekers immigrate to a country, civil society is encouraged to contribute to their integration. A subgroup of asylum seekers comprising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) refugees are specifically deemed vulnerable to developing health and integration problems due to the double stigma of being a sexual/gender minority and a refugee. The Swedish Federation for LGBTQ Rights (RFSL) is a civil societal organization that has established the support group "RFSL Newcomers," a health-related integration intervention that targets such refugees. The aim of the present study is reconstructing the subjective understanding of health of LGBTQ refugees. METHODS Eleven participants in Newcomers and eight organizers were interviewed about LGBTQ refugees' experiences of migrating and participating in RFSL Newcomers. Qualitative content analysis was used to reconstruct subjective understandings of health that were constructed in these narratives. As the data did not originally concentrate on exploring understandings of health, a broad theoretical approach was used as a heuristic for the analysis, which focused on the common everyday approach of conceptualizing health as wellbeing. RESULTS The narratives revealed three interconnected, interdependent categories of understanding health in which tensions occur between wellbeing and ill-being: belonging versus alienation, security and safety versus insecurity, and recognition versus denial. The categories contribute to an overarching theme of health as framed freedom - i.e., freedom framed by conditions of society. CONCLUSIONS For our participants, belonging, recognition, and security/safety are conceptual elements of understanding health, not its social determinants. Thus, these understandings emphasize relational and existential meanings of health (theoretical implication). As for practical implications, the understandings of health were connected to being either inside or outside the Newcomers group and a new society, depending on whether LGBTQ refugees comply with social requirements. As a significant actor that is representative of the cultural majority and a facilitator of LGBTQ refugees' resettlement process, RFSL provides LGBTQ refugees with crucial orientations for becoming a "good migrant" and a "good LGBTQ person," yet a "bad bio-citizen." Generally, organizers of interventions may enhance the effectiveness of their interventions when relational, existential, and biomedical understandings of health are all incorporated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pelle Pelters
- School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden. .,Department of Education, University of Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Krister Hertting
- School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Catrine Kostenius
- Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
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