We sought to gain an understanding of refugee women’s experiences through an interpretative phenomenological methodology. Challenging the lack of research on group-based informal supports for refugee women, we examined the role of playgroup in contributing to social support, the effects of playgroup across all ecological systems, and mothers’ experiences of perinatal mental health issues (PMHI). A focus group and follow-up interviews with the women, staff, and stakeholders gave the opportunity to share their narratives. These information-rich descriptions of their experience helped us explore complex and multifaceted concepts, including PMHI and social support, to show how refugee women ascribe meanings to PMHI within a facilitated playgroup context. In applying Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (BEST), we found that the women’s microsystems were lost in re-settlement, and they experienced feelings of shame and stigma around PMHI through macrosystem influences. Playgroup became a supportive mesosystem, where the women came together through shared understanding and were able to build new microsystems. Our research will assist in advocating for playgroups and other informal support programs by examining in detail how they can provide valuable insight for other refugee women experiencing PMHI in similar circumstances.
Prevalence, determinants, and effects of food insecurity among Middle Eastern and North African migrants and refugees in high-income countries: A systematic review
Issues related to poverty and income inequality in high-income countries have led to food insecurity among some population groups, such as migrants and refugees. While there are some studies on the experience of some migrant groups (and other subpopulations), little is known about food security among Middle Eastern and African migrants and refugees. This systematic…