Uncovering Health and Wellness Needs of Recently Resettled Karen Refugees from Burma

A systematic review of Karen refugee health

“…Two of the studies focus explicitly on coping, one in the context of post-resettlement (Kenny and Lockwood-Kenny, 2011) and the other from the perspective of internally displaced persons in Burma (Oo and Kusakabe, 2010). Nine studies include relational aspects, from the perspectives of kinship (Kenny and Lockwood-Kenny, 2011), culture (Rosbrook and Schweitzer, 2010), the environment (Swe and Ross, 2010;Mitschke et al, 2011;Riggs et al, 2012), and interpersonal relationships in relation to adaptation (Green and Lockley, 2012;Nawyn et al, 2012;Oleson et al, 2012;Borwick et al, 2013). Power and gender are explored in the context of social response strategies of Karen women experiencing forced migration (Oo and Kusakabe, 2010).…”

“…Countries of resettlement in these studies included the USA (Swe and Ross, 2010;Mitschke et al, 2011;Nawyn et al, 2012;Oleson et al, 2012;Harkins, 2013), Australia (Rosbrook and Schweitzer, 2010;Riggs et al, 2012;Borwick et al, 2013), and the UK (Green and Lockley, 2012). Five of the studies employed purposive sampling (Oo and Kusakabe, 2010;Kenny and Lockwood-Kenny, 2011;Nawyn et al, 2012;Oleson et al, 2012;Harkins, 2013), whereas the others employed a less rigorous convenience sampling (Rosbrook and Schweitzer, 2010;Swe and Ross, 2010;Mitschke et al, 2011;Riggs et al, Borwick et al, 2013). Worland and Darlington (2010) used a mix of convenience and purposive sampling, varying recruitment methods to best match the setting.…”

“…Worland and Darlington (2010) used a mix of convenience and purposive sampling, varying recruitment methods to best match the setting. Seven studies collected data from ethnic Karen participants exclusively (Oo and Kusakabe, 2010;Worland and Darlington, 2010;Kenny and Lockwood-Kenny, 2011;Mitschke et al, 2011;Green and Lockley, 2012;Oleson et al, 2012;Harkins, 2013). Three reported findings using data from ethnic Karen and ethnic Chin refugees (Rosbrook and Schweitzer, 2010;Swe and Ross, 2010;Borwick et al, 2013).…”

“…The problem-focussed research consistently points to challenges Karen refugees face in the resettlement process, specifically language barriers, securing adequate housing, and accessing healthcare and education services. Two studies cite a need to further explore the specific mental health outcomes of the trauma of displacement (Rosbrook and Schweitzer, 2010;Mitschke et al, 2011).…”

Cultural integration through shared learning among resettled Bhutanese women

“…Participants generally enjoyed knitting with other women, and several spoke about the sense of purpose that was derived from having a job to do. A number of the participants also shared how they appreciated the flexibility that the project allowed; women were essentially able to make their own schedules and work from home, eliminating typical employment challenges for refugees such as transportation, childcare, and language barriers (Mitschke et al, 2011). Finally, many of the women in the study were able to supplement their household incomes with the money they made from knitting the scarves.…”