Chronic illness and comprehensive care: understanding the lived experience of refugees in adelaide's Northern Suburbs

Refugees experience poor health outcomes due to challenges experienced in their home countries and during migration, which are compounded with inadequate access to and continuity of health care in host countries. In Australia, refugees frequently arrive with psychological issues, infectious diseases, and poorly managed chronic health conditions. In South Australia, many refugees are resettled in Adelaide's Northern Suburbs, an area which is economically disadvantaged and underserved by the health care system. This study aims to explore and describe the lived experience of refugees in Adelaide's Northern Suburbs, with regard to their access to comprehensive and continuous health care.

A qualitative approach was used to explore chronic illness and comprehensive care through the lens of refugees' lived experience. In 2023, nine in depth interviews and one focus group discussion were conducted with refugees living in Adelaide's Northern Suburbs. Participants were considered eligible to participate if they were a refugee with a chronic illness living in Adelaide's Northern Suburbs. Additionally, General Practitioners (GPs) with experience in refugee communities were consulted for their insight. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit the seventeen participants. Thematic analysis was undertaken to identify factors influencing access to care and continuity of care.

Despite access to bulk billed appointments, interpreters, support services, and the assistance of family, refugees' health care is significantly impacted by financial constraints, language, level of care by health professionals, and appointment length. Additionally, many refugees experience problems with welfare services, logistics, ineffective care, and ambulances and the emergency system. Whilst this study focused on physical chronic health issues, access to care for mental ill-health was also established as a significant concern within the community.

This research has demonstrated a need for improved access to and continuity of care for refugees in the Northern Suburbs of Adelaide. Future research should determine how interventions can address the issues highlighted by this study, and further advocacy and funding are required within the field.