301419
Discrimination and Health Vulnerability: Colombian Refugees from Drug Violence Living in Ecuador
The objective of the study was to identify and describe issues in addressing refugee health in Latin America, especially those involving forced migration, mobility and human rights for groups seeking safety from violence across borders.
Background
This NIH study carried out in Quito Ecuador was a collaboration between NYU and an Ecuadorian NGO to identify health risks for Colombian refugees from the drug violence, major political, resource and human rights issues for both countries.
Methods
In-depth interviews using a semi-structured guide and focus groups were carried out with male and female refugees (n=137) as well as key informants/gatekeepers to explore factors affecting their health and safety, as well as risk factors for STIs and HIV. Focus groups explored risk factors with the most vulnerable groups, e.g. drug users and sex workers, as well as with policy makers and service providers. One year media coverage was analyzed. Qualitative data were analyzed using Atlas.ti software, coding carried out by a multi-national research team.
Results
The study obtained powerful, detailed data on factors affecting refugee mobility, health and survival strategies. The approach permitted exploration of individual, family and socio-political factors affecting health/health-related behaviors. Interviews revealed psychological trauma, PTSD/ depression and serious contextual factors affecting refugee health and survival: food/ housing insecurity, high risk survival strategies, and profound effects of stigma & discrimination. Efforts to develop educational materials/ campaigns promoting equity & human rights for the refugees will be discussed and examples provided.
Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programsAdvocacy for health and health education
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related public policy
Learning Objectives:
Identify issues in addressing refugee health in Latin America;
Name geopolitical issues of forced migration, mobility and human rights for groups seeking safety from violence across borders;
Explain how stigma and discrimination in the receiving environment affect such problems as food and housing security, health care services and utilization; Identify ways of addressing human rights, stigma, discrimination and health risks affecting refugees.
Keyword(s): Immigrant Health, Refugees
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been PI and Co-I on numerous NIH grants focusing on immigrant health, HIV and substance abuse, and reproductive health, and was PI on this study. Among my major interests has been cultural factors affecting acceptability and adherence, and capacity building in qualitative research. The topic presented reflects my long experience in immigrant health research in the US and Latin America and my committment to research with vulnerable populations and interdisciplinary/ international collaboration.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.