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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Research article

Optimising refugee children’s health/wellbeing in preparation for primary and secondary school: a qualitative inquiry

Authors: Jess R. Baker, Shanti Raman, Jane Kohlhoff, Ajesh George, Catherine Kaplun, Ann Dadich, Catherine T. Best, Amit Arora, Karen Zwi, Virginia Schmied, Valsamma Eapen

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Children from refugee backgrounds are less likely to access appropriate health and social care than non-refugee children. Our aim was to identify refugee children’s health/wellbeing strengths and needs, and the barriers and enablers to accessing services while preparing for primary and secondary school, in a low socio-economic multicultural community in Australia.

Method

Ten focus groups were facilitated with Arabic-speaking refugee parents of children aged 2–5 years (n = 11) or in first year secondary school (n = 22); refugee adolescents starting high school (n = 16); and key service providers to refugee families (n = 27). Vignettes about a healthy child and a child with difficulties guided the discussions. Data was thematically analysed and feedback sought from the community via the World Café method.

Results

Personal resilience and strong family systems were identified as strengths. Mental health was identified as a complex primary need; and whilst refugees were aware of available services, there were issues in knowing how to access them. Opportunities for play/socialisation were recognised as unmet adolescent needs. Adults spoke of a need to support integration of “old” and “new” cultural values. Parents identified community as facilitating health knowledge transfer for new arrivals; whilst stakeholders saw this as a barrier when systems change. Most parents had not heard of early childhood services, and reported difficulty accessing child healthcare. Preschooler parents identified the family “GP” as the main source of health support; whilst parents of adolescents valued their child’s school. Health communication in written (not spoken) English was a significant roadblock. Differences in refugee family and service provider perceptions were also evident.

Conclusions

Refugee families face challenges to accessing services, but also have strengths that enable them to optimise their children’s wellbeing. Culturally-tailored models of care embedded within GP services and school systems may assist improved healthcare for refugee families.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Optimising refugee children’s health/wellbeing in preparation for primary and secondary school: a qualitative inquiry
Authors
Jess R. Baker
Shanti Raman
Jane Kohlhoff
Ajesh George
Catherine Kaplun
Ann Dadich
Catherine T. Best
Amit Arora
Karen Zwi
Virginia Schmied
Valsamma Eapen
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7183-5

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