Lessons learnt from pandemic research with refugee communities
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Updated: Aug 17, 2025

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Sunita Joann Rebecca Healey1, Nafiseh Ghafounia2
1Refugee and Multicultural Health Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Health and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; rebecca.healey@health.nsw.gov.au.
Abstract:
Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people are subject to many inequities worldwide, and research is no exception. We report lessons learnt as researchers conducting a qualitative study during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic involving participants of refugee backgrounds. We found that despite the best intentions of the research team, a variety of factors in methodology and data collection presented unexpected barriers for our studied population. We share our reflections to assist others in their research endeavours. Researchers and institutions have a moral obligation to provide research practices that are both suitable and beneficial to the community. Collaborating with community members in the research process allows researchers to create ethically sound, practical studies with maximum utility.
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