The bio-psychosocial impact of forced migration as perceived by asylum seekers/refugees in Malta.

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the bio-psychosocial impact of forced migration of asylum seekers/refugees. This dissertation focuses on the complex processes of interaction between people and their physical, psychological, social and cultural environments, which create the world and the people within it. The author's concern prior to the study was how the participants make sense out of their lives following forced migration whilst encompassing complex challenges, affecting their health (physically and psychologically) and their social well-being. Design: A Qualitative study of participants' experience of forced migration using semi-structured focus group interviews. Additionally, a body outline figure was used to direct participants into the context of the study and to generate further discussion. Two semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with male and female asylum seekers from Eritrea and Ethiopia. Two research assistants who assisted with the recruiting of the sample, data collection and analysis were trained by the researcher and conducted the focus group interviews in the Amharic and Tigrinya languages. Participants: Seven males (2 Eritreans and 5 Ethiopians) and seven females (4 Eritreans and 3 Ethiopians) asylum seekers and refugees who were released from the detention centre six months prior to data collection and who had experienced the Maltese health system. Results: The study found that being held in detention over a very long period contributed to feelings of helplessness, psychological distress and suicidal urges. The findings revealed that social support, unemployment and hostility from the dominant culture greatly affected their integration within the Maltese society. Moreover, negative attitudes and poor communication with health professionals led to the inaccessibility of health care services. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for implementing cultural competence in the curriculum of undergraduate and postgraduate training of health and social care professionals if the needs of asylum seekers/refugees are to be addressed holistically.