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Healthcare for Immigrants and Refugees
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Healthcare for Immigrants and Refugees

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 3584

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Olayide Oluyemisi Ogunsiji

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Liverpool Campus, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
Interests: sexual and reproductive health; migrant and refugee health; female genital mutilation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Globally, the number of people living outside their countries of birth, either voluntarily or involuntarily, due to war and unrest is increasing. This increase has profound implications for both the countries of origin and destination in terms of healthcare and health-seeking behavior. When migrants and refugees leave their countries of origin, they do not leave their cultural and health beliefs behind; rather, these are all presented to the healthcare settings of their countries of destination, presenting important challenges to receiving optimal healthcare in their new country. Often, migrants and refugees report that they are not familiar with the healthcare system in their new countries and thereby delay access to it, increasing their risk of the end-stage diagnosis of chronic illnesses. Accessibility and equity of healthcare are growing public health issues, and gaining insight into the facilitators and barriers to migrants and refugees accessing healthcare in their new countries continues to be a contemporary phenomenon of interest in research, education, and practice.

In this Special Issue, entitled “Healthcare for Immigrants and Refugees”, we encourage nurses, midwives, and other healthcare providers in the community and healthcare sectors to disseminate findings from empirical studies, systematic reviews, and policy papers among migrants and refugees, humanitarian entrants, and asylum seekers to ensure optimal health outcomes for this growing global population. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following: illness and healthcare experiences, health promotion initiatives and evaluations, interdisciplinary and intersectoral approaches, health-seeking behavior for diverse health issues, and screening practices of migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and humanitarian entrants.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Olayide Oluyemisi Ogunsiji
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • migrants
  • refugees
  • asylum seekers
  • humanitarian entrants
  • culturally and linguistically diverse
  • healthcare
  • equitable access
  • health-seeking behavior
  • lived experience
  • culturally sensitive care

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 1321 KiB  
Article
Adolescent Refugee Potential Traumatic Experience and Mental Health in Gambella Region in Ethiopia: A Model Examining Mediating Effects of Coping and Resilience
by Solomon D. Danga, Babatope O. Adebiyi, Erica Koegler, Conran Joseph and Nicolette V. Roman
Healthcare 2025, 13(9), 1069; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13091069 - 6 May 2025
Viewed by 31
Abstract
Background: Refugees often experience multiple traumatic events due to persecution, conflict, and displacement, which can result in poor mental health outcomes. Objective: The current study examined whether coping and resilience mediate the relationship between traumatic experience(s) and mental health outcomes and whether [...] Read more.
Background: Refugees often experience multiple traumatic events due to persecution, conflict, and displacement, which can result in poor mental health outcomes. Objective: The current study examined whether coping and resilience mediate the relationship between traumatic experience(s) and mental health outcomes and whether these indirect effects were moderated by age, gender, and refugee camp duration. Method: A cross-sectional, correlational study design was employed. Data were collected from 14 July 2019 to 28 August 2019. A sample of 414 adolescent refugees from two refugee camps in the Gambella regional state of Ethiopia were selected using proportional stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques. Participants completed a self-reported questionnaire. Data were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling for hypotheses testing causal models. Results: Coping and resilience fully mediated the relationship between traumatic experience and mental health among adolescent refugees. Refugee camp duration as a moderator factor weakens the positive relationship between traumatic experiences and mental health outcomes. Conclusions: This study highlights the critical importance of comprehensive intervention strategies that strengthen adolescent refugee personal, family, social, and community level coping and resilience abilities within refugee camps setting. The findings also strongly suggested that early intervention in refugee camps could protect adolescent refugees from possible psychological distress and maintain adolescents’ mental health and well-being within refugee camps. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthcare for Immigrants and Refugees)
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12 pages, 1199 KiB  
Article
Sleep Disorders in South–South Latino Migrants: The Role of Acculturation in the Subjective Assessment of Insomnia Symptoms
by Alfonso Urzúa, Javier Torres-Vallejos and Diego Aragón-Caqueo
Healthcare 2025, 13(8), 904; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13080904 - 15 Apr 2025
Viewed by 295
Abstract
Research on sleep disorders among migrant populations is limited, particularly in the context of south–south Latinos migrating to other Latin American countries. Objective: This study aims to analyze the effect that the acculturation process may play on the presence of the subjective assessment [...] Read more.
Research on sleep disorders among migrant populations is limited, particularly in the context of south–south Latinos migrating to other Latin American countries. Objective: This study aims to analyze the effect that the acculturation process may play on the presence of the subjective assessment of insomnia symptoms in South American migrants in Chile. Methods: Under a cross-sectional design, 1844 South American migrants from Colombia, Venezuela and Peru, currently residing in Chile, were evaluated. Of these, 50% were women with an average age of 35 years. Data were collected using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the EBEA scale for acculturation stress, a scale based on Berry’s acculturation strategies, and the anxiety subscale of the DASS-21. Mediation models were employed to assess anxiety as a mediating variable between both acculturation stress and acculturation orientations as well as insomnia symptoms. Results: A home-country-focused orientation was inversely related to insomnia symptoms, whereas a host-country-focused orientation showed a direct association. Anxiety did not mediate either of these relationships. However, acculturation stress was directly associated with the emergence of insomnia symptoms; in this relationship, anxiety partially mediated the negative effect of stress on sleep. Conclusions: There is a complex and dynamic interplay between the acculturation process, insomnia, and anxiety within south-to-south migration in Latin countries. Understanding these relationships could promote culturally sensitive interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of migration-related stressors on sleep health and the overall well-being of Latino migrants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthcare for Immigrants and Refugees)
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13 pages, 203 KiB  
Article
Navigating Equitable Access to Cancer and Mental Health Services During Pandemics: Stakeholder Perspectives on COVID-19 Challenges and Community-Based Solutions for Immigrants and Refugees—Proceedings from Think Tank Sessions
by Mandana Vahabi, Kimberly Devotta, Cliff Ledwos, Josephine P. Wong, Miya Narushima, Jennifer Rayner, Roula Hawa, Kenneth Fung, Geetanjali D. Datta, Axelle Janczur, Cynthia Damba and Aisha Lofters
Healthcare 2025, 13(5), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13050564 - 5 Mar 2025
Viewed by 775
Abstract
Background: Increasing evidence shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted certain populations, particularly those facing structural marginalization, such as immigrants and refugees. Additionally, research highlights that structurally marginalized populations living with chronic conditions, such as cancer and/or mental health and addiction (MH&A) [...] Read more.
Background: Increasing evidence shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted certain populations, particularly those facing structural marginalization, such as immigrants and refugees. Additionally, research highlights that structurally marginalized populations living with chronic conditions, such as cancer and/or mental health and addiction (MH&A) disorders, are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of COVID-19. These individuals face higher susceptibility to infection and worse health outcomes, including increased rates of hospitalization, severe illness, and death. To better understand the challenges faced by people living at the intersection of social and clinical disadvantages, we organized a series of Think Tank sessions to engage stakeholders in exploring barriers and identifying community-based solutions for immigrants and refugees living with cancer and/or MH&A disorders during the current and future pandemics. Objectives: Our main objectives were to gauge how earlier findings resonated with stakeholders, to identify any gaps in the work, and to co-develop actionable solutions to safeguard health and well-being during COVID-19 and future crises. Methods: Two virtual Think Tank sessions were held in September 2023 as integrative knowledge exchange forums. The Cancer Think Tank was attended by 40 participants, while the MH&A disorders Think Tank included 41 participants. Each group comprised immigrants and refugees living with or affected by cancer (in the Cancer Think Tank) or MH&A disorders (in the MH&A disorders Think Tank), alongside service providers, policymakers, and researchers from Ontario. This paper presents the key discussions and outcomes of these sessions. Results: Participants identified and prioritized actionable strategies during the Think Tank sessions. In the Cancer Think Tank, participants emphasized the importance of leveraging foreign-trained healthcare providers to address workforce shortages, creating clinical health ambassadors to bridge gaps in care, and connecting immigrants with healthcare providers immediately upon their arrival in Canada. In the MH&A disorders Think Tank, participants highlighted the need to remove silos by fostering intersectoral collaboration, empowering communities and building capacity to support mental health, and moving away from one-size-fits-all approaches to develop tailored interventions that better address diverse needs. Conclusions: The Think Tank sessions enhanced our understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted immigrants and refugees living with cancer and/or MH&A disorders. The insights gained informed a series of actionable recommendations to address the unique needs of these populations during the current pandemic and in future public health crises. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthcare for Immigrants and Refugees)
18 pages, 260 KiB  
Article
The Psychological Impact Among Syrian Refugees in Host Countries
by Dalia Al-Hourani, Mahmoud Al-Wriekat, Rocío Llamas-Ramos and Inés Llamas-Ramos
Healthcare 2025, 13(5), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13050488 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 584
Abstract
Background: Refugees face numerous challenges, including conflict, displacement, family separation, human rights violations, limited access to basic needs, and exposure to violence and torture. These experiences significantly impact their psychological well-being, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Syrian refugees in Jordan [...] Read more.
Background: Refugees face numerous challenges, including conflict, displacement, family separation, human rights violations, limited access to basic needs, and exposure to violence and torture. These experiences significantly impact their psychological well-being, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Syrian refugees in Jordan may experience higher levels of depression and anxiety than those in Spain due to harsher living conditions, limited economic opportunities, uncertain legal status, inadequate mental health services, and ongoing proximity to the Syrian conflict, whereas refugees in Spain benefit from better integration, stronger support systems, and greater stability. Objective: This study aimed to assess and compare the psychological symptoms experienced by Syrian refugees in Jordan and Spain. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was employed to evaluate the psychological impact on Syrian refugees in both developed (Spain) and developing (Jordan) country. A sample of 200 refugees from camps, residences, and refugee centers was recruited. Psychological symptoms were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results: The majority of participants had low income, secondary education, and were unemployed. Overall, 55.5% reported stress, 63.5% anxiety, and 68.5% depression. Higher levels of stress and depression were observed among females, unemployed individuals, and low-income groups. Age also played a critical role, with individuals aged 40–49 reporting elevated stress, anxiety, and depression compared with other age groups. Discrimination and living arrangements further influenced mental health, with low-social-connectivity communities and rural areas associated with higher anxiety and depression. Higher levels of stress and depression were observed among females in Spain and significant mental health disparities across age and income groups in Jordan. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing sociodemographic vulnerabilities to improve refugee mental health outcomes. Refugees in Jordan reported significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety compared with those in Spain. Conclusions: The findings highlight the profound psychological burden faced by Syrian refugees, particularly in Jordan, where living conditions and systemic challenges exacerbate mental health issues. Factors such as age, gender, marital status, low education, and low income were strongly associated with higher stress levels in both countries. These results underscore the need for targeted mental health interventions, improved access to psychological support, and policies that address the socioeconomic and legal challenges faced by refugees. Enhancing integration, reducing discrimination, and providing comprehensive mental health services are critical steps toward improving the well-being of this vulnerable population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthcare for Immigrants and Refugees)
13 pages, 3276 KiB  
Article
The Sense of Coherence as a Mediator of the Negative Effect of Discrimination on the Quality of Life in the Migrant Population
by Alfonso Urzúa, Diego Henríquez, Sara Hernández and Alejandra Caqueo-Urízar
Healthcare 2025, 13(4), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13040366 - 8 Feb 2025
Viewed by 642
Abstract
Migration generates changes in the quality of life (QoL) of immigrants. One of the difficulties that the process of migrating can entail is discrimination, which is the set of negative attitudes towards a person, in this case, because of their nationality. Objective: To [...] Read more.
Migration generates changes in the quality of life (QoL) of immigrants. One of the difficulties that the process of migrating can entail is discrimination, which is the set of negative attitudes towards a person, in this case, because of their nationality. Objective: To analyze the effect that the sense of coherence (SOC) has on the relationship that discrimination by national origin has on quality of life. Method: The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess QoL, and Krieger’s Perceived Discrimination Experiences scale and Antonovsky’s SOC-13 scale were applied to 2144 participants (49.9% women), aged between 18 and 82 years, from Venezuela, Colombia and Peru, all of them being first generation migrants living in Chile. Results: In all the national groups evaluated, discrimination has an inverse relationship with both QoL and SOC, while the latter has a positive relationship with QoL. The direct effect of discrimination on QoL life is found to be smaller when this relationship is mediated by the presence of the SOC. This proposed model has good goodness-of-fit indicators in the three national groups evaluated. Conclusions: A strong and well-defined life purpose, a perception of greater control over surrounding events and situations, and perceiving life events as understandable and consistent can be an effective tools to diminish the effect of discrimination on quality of life in the migrant population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthcare for Immigrants and Refugees)
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12 pages, 196 KiB  
Article
Tetanus Vaccine Knowledge, Beliefs, and Attitudes Among Syrian Pregnant Women in Türkiye: A Qualitative Study
by Zeynep Meva Altaş, Bayan Abdulhaq, Mehmet Akif Sezerol and Selma Karabey
Healthcare 2025, 13(3), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13030302 - 2 Feb 2025
Viewed by 769
Abstract
Background: In this qualitative study, we aimed to evaluate the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of Syrian pregnant women living in Türkiye toward tetanus vaccination, vaccine hesitations, and the perceived benefits and harms of the tetanus vaccine. Methods: In face-to-face, in-depth interviews, an open-ended, [...] Read more.
Background: In this qualitative study, we aimed to evaluate the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of Syrian pregnant women living in Türkiye toward tetanus vaccination, vaccine hesitations, and the perceived benefits and harms of the tetanus vaccine. Methods: In face-to-face, in-depth interviews, an open-ended, semi-structured interview guide was used by an interviewer and translator who spoke Arabic, which is the mother tongue of the participants. Codes, themes, and subthemes were created. Results: In the study, face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 16 pregnant women. The median age of the pregnant women was 26.5 years (18.0–41.0). The median time since they arrived in Türkiye as migrants was 8.5 years (3.0–10.0). The themes were “Beliefs about vaccines”, “Information about vaccines”, “Knowledge, beliefs and attitudes about tetanus vaccine”, “Reasons for vaccination desire”, “Reasons for not being vaccinated”, and “Problems experienced while receiving health services”. Pregnant women mostly mentioned that vaccines have benefits. Most of the women stated that tetanus vaccine is needed to protect from diseases. There were no women thinking that vaccines are harmful. Some of them only mentioned the minor side effects observed after vaccination. Participants mentioned that they get information about vaccines from relatives such as family and friends, health professionals, television, and social media. However, some women talked about the fact that they had no knowledge about vaccines. A lack of knowledge and not visiting the health institution were the reasons for not being vaccinated. Conclusions: Although participants mostly believed that vaccination is necessary and has benefits, some women had no idea about the exact purpose of vaccines. This lack of knowledge may cause vaccine hesitancy and refusal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthcare for Immigrants and Refugees)
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