Political Ecology of Health of South Sudanese Immigrants and Refugees in Ottawa

Abstract

Emerging research suggests that despite access to health care, South Sudanese in Canada experience dismal health. Applying political ecology of health (PEH) framework, this qualitative study builds on literature, to examine factors underlying this health decline. Focus groups and in-depth interviews with South Sudanese in Ottawa (n=31) reveal multiple factors acting alone or in interaction with processes at multiple temporal and spatial scales. Specifically, findings show that trauma suffered before arrival and from ongoing conflict in South Sudan affects everyday health. The findings also show that a deep political and moral sentiment of solidarity with the motherland mediates household decisions about health. In addition, fierce intra-ethnic rivalry stirred by war in South Sudan greatly affects South Sudanese, eroding social and psychological resources necessary for health. Furthermore, the findings indicate that weak integration of South Sudanese men in Canada breeds feelings of loss of social status, triggering family instability and gendered health impacts.