Health of refugees settled in Australia over time and generations: a transformative mixed methods study protocol

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Sociology

Background:

• Refugees resettled in Australia face significant health challenges and barriers accessing specialized healthcare.
• Longitudinal data on refugee health needs, service utilization, and generational changes are lacking.
• Knowledge gaps exist regarding refugee assets that can support individual and community well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide comprehensive, longitudinal, population-based evidence on refugee health and service use in Australia.
• To understand the interplay between refugee assets, health status, service gaps, and behaviors across lifespans and generations.
• To identify assets that enhance health protection and promotion capacities for effective prevention programs.

Main Methods:

• Phase 1: Analyze national linked datasets to assess health and social outcomes of refugees.
• Phase 2: Engage refugees in participatory mapping of community assets (social, economic, physical, cultural).
• Phase 3: Co-design a roadmap for health and well-being with agreed actions and outcome indicators.

Main Results:

• This study is the first to offer comprehensive, longitudinal, population-based evidence on refugee health and service use.
• It will elucidate the relationships between assets, health status, service gaps, and behaviors.
• Identifies key assets contributing to enhanced health protection and promotion capacities.

Conclusions:

• The findings are essential for planning effective health prevention programs for refugees.
• This research will improve the health system's ability to deliver responsive, efficient, and acceptable care.
• Empowering refugees and centering their experiences in health decision-making is crucial.