Journal article
Factors Shaping the Lived Experience of Resettlement for Former Refugees in Regional Australia
International journal of environmental research and public health, Vol.17(2), pp.1-18
13/01/2020
PMID: 31941123
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Abstract
Refugees experience traumatic life events with impacts amplified in regional and rural areas due to barriers accessing services. This study examined the factors influencing the lived experience of resettlement for former refugees in regional Launceston, Australia, including environmental, social, and health-related factors. Qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted with adult and youth community members from Burma, Bhutan, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, Iran, and Sudan, and essential service providers (n = 31). Thematic analysis revealed four factors as primarily influencing resettlement: English language proficiency; employment, education and housing environments and opportunities; health status and service access; and broader social factors and experiences. Participants suggested strategies to overcome barriers associated with these factors and improve overall quality of life throughout resettlement. These included flexible English language program delivery and employment support, including industry-specific language courses; the provision of interpreters; community events fostering cultural sharing, inclusivity and promoting well-being; and routine inclusion of nondiscriminatory, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed practices throughout a former refugee's environment, including within education, employment, housing and service settings.
Details
- Title
- Factors Shaping the Lived Experience of Resettlement for Former Refugees in Regional Australia
- Creators
- Laura Smith - University of TasmaniaHa Hoang - University of TasmaniaTamara Reynish - University of TasmaniaKim McLeod - University of TasmaniaChona Hannah - University of TasmaniaStuart Auckland - University of TasmaniaShameran Slewa-Younan - The University of MelbourneJonathan Mond - University of Tasmania
- Publication Details
- International journal of environmental research and public health, Vol.17(2), pp.1-18
- Publisher
- MDPI
- Number of pages
- 18
- Grant note
- Health Practitioner Research Development Program
- Identifiers
- 991013398062802368
- Copyright
- © 2020 by the authors
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article