H. Liebling, Hazel Rose Barrett, Lillian Artz, A. Shahid
{"title":"Viable justice: survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and/or torture amongst South Sudanese refugees living in settlements in Northern Uganda","authors":"H. Liebling, Hazel Rose Barrett, Lillian Artz, A. Shahid","doi":"10.1108/ijmhsc-12-2022-0121","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijmhsc-12-2022-0121","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The study aimed to listen to refugee survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and/or torture and explore what justice meant to them in exile. This study argues that what the survivors who participated in this research wanted was “viable justice”. The research was funded by the British Academy and Leverhulme Trust.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Using a survivor-focussed justice lens combined with a trauma-informed approach, narrative interviews were held with 41 women and 20 men refugee survivors living in refugee settlements in Northern Uganda. The researchers also conducted semi-structured interviews with 37 key informants including refugee welfare councils, the UN, civil society, non-government and government organisations. Thematic analysis of the data resulted in the following themes being identified: no hope of formal justice for atrocities that occurred in South Sudan; insecurity; lack of confidence in transitional justice processes in Ugandan refugee settlements; abuse and loss of freedom in refugee settlements; and lack of access to health and justice services in refugee settlements.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000This study argues that what the survivors who participated in this research wanted was “viable justice”. That is justice that is survivor-centred and includes elements of traditional and transitional justice, underpinned by social justice. By including the voices of both men and women survivors of SGBV and/or torture and getting the views of service providers and other stakeholders, this paper offers an alternative form of justice to the internationally accepted types of justice, which offer little relevance or restitution to refugees, particularly where the crime has been committed in a different country and where there is little chance that perpetrators will be prosecuted in a formal court of law.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000The research findings are based on a small sample of South Sudanese refugees living in three refugee settlements in Northern Uganda. Thus, wider conclusions should not be drawn. However, the research does suggest that a “viable justice” approach should be implemented that is gender and culturally sensitive and which could also be trialled in different refugee contexts.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000Improvements in refugee survivors’ dignity, resilience and recovery are dependent upon the active engagement of refugees themselves using a “survivor-focussed approach” which combines formal and community-based health services with traditional and transitional justice responses.\u0000\u0000\u0000Social implications\u0000The provision of a “viable justice approach” ensures those who have experienced SGBV and/or torture, and their families, feel validated. It will assist them to use their internal, cultural and traditional resilience and agency in the process of recovery.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The research findings are original in that data was collected from men and women survivors of SGBV and/or torture and service providers. The","PeriodicalId":503778,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care","volume":"57 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139861829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
H. Liebling, Hazel Rose Barrett, Lillian Artz, A. Shahid
{"title":"Viable justice: survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and/or torture amongst South Sudanese refugees living in settlements in Northern Uganda","authors":"H. Liebling, Hazel Rose Barrett, Lillian Artz, A. Shahid","doi":"10.1108/ijmhsc-12-2022-0121","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijmhsc-12-2022-0121","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The study aimed to listen to refugee survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and/or torture and explore what justice meant to them in exile. This study argues that what the survivors who participated in this research wanted was “viable justice”. The research was funded by the British Academy and Leverhulme Trust.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Using a survivor-focussed justice lens combined with a trauma-informed approach, narrative interviews were held with 41 women and 20 men refugee survivors living in refugee settlements in Northern Uganda. The researchers also conducted semi-structured interviews with 37 key informants including refugee welfare councils, the UN, civil society, non-government and government organisations. Thematic analysis of the data resulted in the following themes being identified: no hope of formal justice for atrocities that occurred in South Sudan; insecurity; lack of confidence in transitional justice processes in Ugandan refugee settlements; abuse and loss of freedom in refugee settlements; and lack of access to health and justice services in refugee settlements.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000This study argues that what the survivors who participated in this research wanted was “viable justice”. That is justice that is survivor-centred and includes elements of traditional and transitional justice, underpinned by social justice. By including the voices of both men and women survivors of SGBV and/or torture and getting the views of service providers and other stakeholders, this paper offers an alternative form of justice to the internationally accepted types of justice, which offer little relevance or restitution to refugees, particularly where the crime has been committed in a different country and where there is little chance that perpetrators will be prosecuted in a formal court of law.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000The research findings are based on a small sample of South Sudanese refugees living in three refugee settlements in Northern Uganda. Thus, wider conclusions should not be drawn. However, the research does suggest that a “viable justice” approach should be implemented that is gender and culturally sensitive and which could also be trialled in different refugee contexts.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000Improvements in refugee survivors’ dignity, resilience and recovery are dependent upon the active engagement of refugees themselves using a “survivor-focussed approach” which combines formal and community-based health services with traditional and transitional justice responses.\u0000\u0000\u0000Social implications\u0000The provision of a “viable justice approach” ensures those who have experienced SGBV and/or torture, and their families, feel validated. It will assist them to use their internal, cultural and traditional resilience and agency in the process of recovery.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The research findings are original in that data was collected from men and women survivors of SGBV and/or torture and service providers. The","PeriodicalId":503778,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care","volume":"38 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139801711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. Kakuma, Onah Uchenna Cajethan, F. Shawyer, Vrinda Edan, Elisabeth Wilson-Evered, Graham Meadows, Lisa Brophy
{"title":"A qualitative evaluation of the questionnaire about the process of recovery (QPR) in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations","authors":"R. Kakuma, Onah Uchenna Cajethan, F. Shawyer, Vrinda Edan, Elisabeth Wilson-Evered, Graham Meadows, Lisa Brophy","doi":"10.1108/ijmhsc-05-2023-0042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijmhsc-05-2023-0042","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Mental health recovery across cultures lacks understanding and suitable measures. The Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery (QPR) is a self-report instrument measuring personal recovery outcomes for consumers of mental health services. However, the extent of its relevance among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities is unclear. This pilot study aimed to examine the relevance and utility of the QPR among CALD consumers of primary mental health services in Australia.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Eleven individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with two general practitioners (GPs) and nine consumers from two clinics, at locations with high Iranian and Burmese refugee or asylum seeker populations. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using a thematic framework approach.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Although almost all consumers had little or no understanding of the concept of personal recovery, they found the QPR culturally acceptable and understandable. Using the QPR during mental health consultations can help with needs identification and goal setting. Challenges in using the QPR included completion time, cross-cultural differences in concepts and norms for some items, and need for careful translation. Consumers suggested additional items regarding family reputation, sexuality, and spirituality.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The QPR is potentially a valuable tool to support mental health consultations with CALD consumers, from the perspectives of both GPs and consumers.\u0000","PeriodicalId":503778,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139869839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. Kakuma, Onah Uchenna Cajethan, F. Shawyer, Vrinda Edan, Elisabeth Wilson-Evered, Graham Meadows, Lisa Brophy
{"title":"A qualitative evaluation of the questionnaire about the process of recovery (QPR) in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations","authors":"R. Kakuma, Onah Uchenna Cajethan, F. Shawyer, Vrinda Edan, Elisabeth Wilson-Evered, Graham Meadows, Lisa Brophy","doi":"10.1108/ijmhsc-05-2023-0042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijmhsc-05-2023-0042","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Mental health recovery across cultures lacks understanding and suitable measures. The Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery (QPR) is a self-report instrument measuring personal recovery outcomes for consumers of mental health services. However, the extent of its relevance among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities is unclear. This pilot study aimed to examine the relevance and utility of the QPR among CALD consumers of primary mental health services in Australia.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Eleven individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with two general practitioners (GPs) and nine consumers from two clinics, at locations with high Iranian and Burmese refugee or asylum seeker populations. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using a thematic framework approach.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Although almost all consumers had little or no understanding of the concept of personal recovery, they found the QPR culturally acceptable and understandable. Using the QPR during mental health consultations can help with needs identification and goal setting. Challenges in using the QPR included completion time, cross-cultural differences in concepts and norms for some items, and need for careful translation. Consumers suggested additional items regarding family reputation, sexuality, and spirituality.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The QPR is potentially a valuable tool to support mental health consultations with CALD consumers, from the perspectives of both GPs and consumers.\u0000","PeriodicalId":503778,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care","volume":"48 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139809855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Romanian transnational families: insights from a qualitative study on care workers","authors":"L. Salaris, N. Tedesco","doi":"10.1108/ijmhsc-08-2023-0074","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijmhsc-08-2023-0074","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000An increasing number of international immigrant workers enter the EU labour market to fill the gap in many key economic sectors. Labour migration often implies a process of family adaptation and, in some cases, a breakdown in the community structure and networks. This study aims to provide insights into the dynamics of transnational families, focusing on changes in the redefinition of roles within family members and children care arrangements.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The study was based on the analysis of 12 biographical interviews conducted using semi-structured interviews between November 2018 and December 2019 among Romanian women who worked as caregivers in families in an Italian metropolitan city and the surrounding urban area.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Despite the economic dimension being essential, psychological well-being increasingly burdens workers’ migratory experience and that of their family members. Findings suggest including employers and children among the actively involved actors of the family decision-making process; working and contractual conditions as factors that significantly impact the opportunities and capability of workers to provide and receive care, mainly if the latter are employed in the informal market.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The study makes it possible to highlight that the dynamics in decision-making processes in transnational families change in the different phases of the migration project and involve numerous actors. These processes are not always rational and are strongly influenced by the labour market structure in which migrants are employed.\u0000","PeriodicalId":503778,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care","volume":" 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139618653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mohsen Gholinataj Jelodar, S. Rafieian, K. Nasiriani, Haniyeh Dehghan Chenari, Majid Haji Maghsodi, S. Mirzaei
{"title":"A knowledge and preventive approach to COVID-19 and vaccination acceptance among Afghan immigrants in Iran","authors":"Mohsen Gholinataj Jelodar, S. Rafieian, K. Nasiriani, Haniyeh Dehghan Chenari, Majid Haji Maghsodi, S. Mirzaei","doi":"10.1108/ijmhsc-11-2023-0103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijmhsc-11-2023-0103","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose Considering the importance of knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) in communities toward COVID-19 and the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination in the control of this disease, this study aims to evaluate and compare the KAP level toward COVID-19 and the acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccination between the Afghan immigrant population and Iranians Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2021 on Afghan immigrants, Afghan-neighboring Iranians and Afghan nonneighboring Iranians. Of the 885 people who participated in the survey, 295 from each group were randomly selected. Data collection tools were the following questionnaires: KAP toward COVID-19 and acceptance and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination. Findings A total of 837 participants were included for data analysis. According to the findings, the KAP score on COVID-19 in Afghan immigrants was lower than the group of Iranians. Compared with Iranians, the score of nonneighboring Iranians was higher than the neighboring Iranians with Afghan immigrants. This difference in the mean scores suggests a statistically significant difference in the three groups (p < 0.0001). Among demographic data, the relationship between gender, education, type of job, income level and age with KAP indicated a significant difference in the total population studied. In the group of Afghan immigrants, the most likely reason for accepting the vaccination was the employer’s recommendation (55.63%). In comparison, the neighboring and nonneighboring Iranian groups with Afghan immigrants stated that they would receive the vaccine as soon as possible (49.22% and 63.22%, respectively). Originality/value Considering the low KAP score in the immigrant population in this study, these people are more vulnerable to the health and socioeconomic effects of COVID-19; therefore, the host countries have more challenges and responsibilities to protect these populations.","PeriodicalId":503778,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care","volume":"112 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139164021","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Health and health care in Australian immigration detention: a comparison between onshore and offshore data","authors":"E. Kalocsányiová, Ryan Essex","doi":"10.1108/ijmhsc-03-2023-0031","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijmhsc-03-2023-0031","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose This study aims to compare the impact of Australian onshore and offshore immigration detention centres (IDCs) on detainees’ health and health-care events. Design/methodology/approach It uses data extracted from the Australian Government’s quarterly health reports from 2014 to 2017. These reports contain a range of data about the health and well-being of detainees, including complaints/presenting symptoms and number of appointments and hospitalisations. To compare onshore and offshore data sets, the authors calculated the rate of health events per quarter against the estimated quarterly onshore and offshore detention population. They ran a series of two-proportion z-tests for each matched quarter to calculate median z- and p-values for all quarters. These were used as an indicator as to whether the observed differences between onshore and offshore events were statistically significant. Findings The results suggest that adults detained onshore and offshore have substantial health needs, however, almost all rates were far higher in offshore detention, with people more likely to raise a health-related complaint, access health services and be prescribed medications, often at two to three times the rate of those onshore. Originality/value This paper adds to a modest body of literature that explains the health of people detained in Australian IDCs. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to explore health service utilisation and a range of other variables found in the Australian Government’s quarterly health reports. These findings bolster the evidence which suggests that detention, and particularly offshore detention is particularly harmful to health.","PeriodicalId":503778,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care","volume":"150 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139183110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sayedhabibollah Ahmadi Forooshani, Kate Murray, Nigar Khawaja, Z. Izadikhah
{"title":"A benchmark model for the process of post-migration social adjustment: exploring the views of young people from forced-migration backgrounds in Australia","authors":"Sayedhabibollah Ahmadi Forooshani, Kate Murray, Nigar Khawaja, Z. Izadikhah","doi":"10.1108/ijmhsc-03-2022-0032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijmhsc-03-2022-0032","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose The purpose of this study was to propose a benchmark model for the process of post-migration social adjustment based on the points of view and experiences of young individuals from forced-migration backgrounds. Design/methodology/approach Twelve young adults (18–24 years) living in Australia with an experience of forced migration and from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings The results showed that post-migration social adjustment requires effective interactions within individual, family and community domains. The participants proposed specific characteristics, enablers and barriers for each domain that can affect the process of social adjustment after the experience of forced migration. Originality/value Based on the reported points of view and experiences of participants in this study, the authors proposed an ecological model that can be considered as a preliminary benchmark to inform policymaking, research and services focusing on the social adjustment of young refugees. The practical implications for resettlement programs are discussed.","PeriodicalId":503778,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care","volume":"24 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139229974","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A salutary welcome: the role of Sense of Coherence and Generalized Resistance Resources in refugee settlement","authors":"Christopher J. Fries, John Serieux, Nelson Oranye","doi":"10.1108/ijmhsc-07-2022-0070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijmhsc-07-2022-0070","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose Guided by the salutogenic model of health and well-being, this study aims to use empirical measures of sense of coherence (SOC) and generalized resistance resources (GRRs) to gain a better understanding of the facilitators of successful transition and integration of refugees to Canada and relate these findings to current program development and delivery for the settlement of refugees. Design/methodology/approach Survey research and structural equation modeling. Findings The authors found that newcomers with a stronger SOC were more likely to report successful integration outcomes. GRRs were found to have both direct and indirect effects on the positive settlement of refugees, with the SOC acting as a strong mediator of indirect effects. Research limitations/implications Owing in part, to the disruption caused by the global pandemic, the authors’ data collection period was protracted and the final sample size of 263 is smaller than the authors would have preferred. Another limitation of this study has to do with its cross-sectional design, which limits the articulation of cause-and-effect relationships among the variables. Practical implications In terms of program development and delivery for the settlement of refugees, the authors’ results provide further evidence that refugee participation in socially valued decision-making represents a key determinant of healthy resettlement. Originality/value Much research on refugee settlement originates within “a pathogenic paradigm” that focuses on the stressors and obstacles encountered by people who have been displaced. Taking its cue from Israeli health sociologist, Aaron Antonovsky’s salutogenic model of health and well-being, this study uses empirical measures of Antonovsky’s interrelated concepts of SOC and GRRs to gain a better understanding of the facilitators of successful transition and integration of refugees to a prairie province in Canada and relate these findings to current program development and delivery for the settlement of refugees.","PeriodicalId":503778,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care","volume":"282 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139232969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Athanasios Michalis, D. Panagiotakos, Apostolos G. Papadopoulos, V. Costarelli
{"title":"A qualitative exploration of immigrant’s experiences, practices and feelings about health‐care management, diet quality and food security issues, in Greece","authors":"Athanasios Michalis, D. Panagiotakos, Apostolos G. Papadopoulos, V. Costarelli","doi":"10.1108/ijmhsc-06-2023-0061","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijmhsc-06-2023-0061","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose The study aims to have adults discuss experiences, practices needs and feelings related to health management, diet and food security. Design/methodology/approach A total of 22 immigrants were recruited from the Open School of Immigrants in Piraeus, Attica, Greece, to participate in focus group discussions. The discussions were audio recorded and thematically analyzed. Three major themes were developed: pathways to health care, nutrition management and experiences related to food shortages. Findings Most of the participants identified internet as the most commonly used way to obtain health advice; they also stated that unexpected ill-health is usually accompanied by feelings of fear, anxiety and loneliness. Immigrants, who had visited a public hospital in Greece, identified the language barrier as the most challenging issue, followed by the long waiting lists. Fear and anxiety of hospital visits was an important factor in their decision to vaccinate against COVID-19. Lack of time, high cost of healthy food and lack of knowledge were the most common obstacles to a healthy diet. One in two immigrants reported that they have faced food insecurity issues in the past. Stress, psychological distress and irritation were reported, due to food shortages, especially during the first few years of arriving in Greece. The exclusion of some foods, reduced portion sizes and buying cheaper foods were among the coping strategies to address food shortages. Originality/value The study offers an insight into immigrant’s experiences, practices and feelings about managing health issues and could be useful for health-care practitioners, researchers and policymakers.","PeriodicalId":503778,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care","volume":"14 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139233661","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}