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

Carrie K. Wong, Carolynne White, Bwe Thay and Annie-Claude M. Lassemillante
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Carrie K. Wong: School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn 3122, Australia
Carolynne White: School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn 3122, Australia
Bwe Thay: Office of Pro-Vice Chancellor (Student Engagement), Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn 3122, Australia
Annie-Claude M. Lassemillante: School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn 3122, Australia

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: migrants; refugees; asylum seekers; adults; health promotion; primary health care; community-based participatory research; focus groups; social support; work; education; access to healthcare (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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