Living a Healthy Life in Australia: Exploring Influences on Health for Refugees from Myanmar

• Main Authors: Carrie K. Wong, Carolynne White, Bwe Thay, Annie-Claude M. Lassemillante
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-12-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: migrants; refugees; asylum seekers; adults; health promotion; primary health care; community-based participatory research; focus groups; social support; work; education; access to healthcare
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/1/121

Background: Humanitarian migrants from Myanmar represent a significant refugee group in Australia; however, knowledge of their health needs and priorities is limited. This study aims to explore the meaning and influencers of health from the perspectives of refugees from Myanmar. Method: Using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) design, a partnership was formed between the researchers, Myanmar community leaders and other service providers to inform study design. A total of 27 participants were recruited from a government-funded English language program. Data were collected using a short demographic survey and four focus groups, and were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis methods. Results: Key themes identified included: (1) health according to the perspectives of Australian settled refugees from Myanmar, (2) social connections and what it means to be part of community, (3) work as a key influence on health, and (4) education and its links with work and health. Conclusions: This study outlined the inter-relationships between health, social connections, work and education from the perspectives of refugees from Myanmar. It also outlined how people from Myanmar who are of a refugee background possess strengths that can be used to manage the various health challenges they face in their new environment.