Ethiopian refugees in the UK: migration, adaptation and settlement experiences and their relevance to health

Abstract

Migration, adaptation and settlement experiences impact on the health of refugees and are dependent on a number of barriers and enablers, both at a personal and societal level. These should be taken into account in the provision of health and social care services, in particular services should be provided in a culturally competent manner.

Refugee experiences of general practice in countries of resettlement: a literature review

“…Most studies combined multiple ethnic groups, while four studies focused exclusively on people from Somalia, 17,19,21,38 and one each focused only on people from Bosnia, Ethiopia, Iran, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. 22,24,27,31,33 All selected studies used qualitative methods and collected data through interviews with individuals, families, or focus groups. Many used a grounded theory approach to analysis.…”

“…The studies were conducted in the US, [17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Canada, 24 England, [25][26][27] Scotland, 28,29 Ireland, 30 Netherlands, 31,32 Norway, 33 Sweden, 34 Finland, 35 Switzerland, 36 New Zealand, 37,38 and Australia. 39 Thirteen papers focused on refugees, three on asylum seekers, and seven combined both.…”

“…22,25 They also expressed frustration with waiting days to years for an appointment 22,28,29,39 and with long waiting times in clinics. 18,19,27 Language barriers In relation to access, language barriers were commonly experienced. These included differences in spoken language, understanding written materials, completing paperwork, and problems with the use of interpreters: [18][19][20][21]25,38,39 'I don't feel satisfied when I can't understand my doctor.'…”

“…knowledge about the health system 26 and described systems as complicated and difficult to understand. 21 Knowledge gaps included the role of the GP, 27 where to find a GP, 25 how to make an appointment, 19 and how to access out-of-hours primary care: 28,29 'I hadn't even heard the word GP before you know!' 28 Refugees found it difficult to register at practices and to make appointments because of limited knowledge of processes and language barriers.…”

“…28 Refugees found it difficult to register at practices and to make appointments because of limited knowledge of processes and language barriers. 22,25,28 Registration and appointment making were facilitated with assistance from friends, family, support workers, and the NHS Health Board in the UK: 25,27,28 'If I don't have anybody to make the appointment for me I can't do it [myself].' 19 Refugees described difficulties with transport to and from services.…”