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An ethnographic process evaluation of a community support program with Sudanese refugee women in western Sydney
Author(s) -
HashimotoGovindasamy L.S.,
Rose Vanessa
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
health promotion journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2201-1617
pISSN - 1036-1073
DOI - 10.1071/he11107
Subject(s) - refugee , mental health , acculturation , ethnic group , medicine , qualitative research , context (archaeology) , nursing , psychological resilience , sociology , gerontology , medical education , public relations , psychology , political science , social psychology , social science , psychiatry , geography , archaeology , anthropology , law
Issue addressed Through the humanitarian entrant program, a rapidly growing community of Sudanese refugees are resettling in Australia. Although the impact of pre‐migration trauma upon refugee mental health is well established, there is a paucity of research exploring the impact of post‐migration sociocultural factors. Women are often the most marginalised, which affects their mental health and ability to adjust in resettlement. Methods An ethnographic study was conducted to evaluate a Sudanese women's group exercise program designed from a community development strengths‐based model. Qualitative analysis of a group interview and ethnographic process evaluation techniques enabled a deeper understanding of the perspectives of Sudanese women in Australia and their resettlement difficulties and needs. Results Participants (n=12) viewed the program positively due to educational components and the opportunity for respite. Transport and childminding support were seen as vital. Interview and evaluation processes were perceived as ineffectual. Key stressors raised include: acculturation, housing difficulties, developing language skills, lack of employment opportunities and family separation. Conclusion It is vital that any attempts to address these issues are sustainable, aiming to empower the women and promote their existing strengths and resilience techniques. Research specific to cultural and ethnic groups of refugee women in an Australian context enables tailoring of appropriate support services, but can be tiresome for participants. So what? Identifying and evaluating socio‐cultural factors that facilitate or inhibit efficacy of a support program can better inform the development of services for specific cultural groups of refugees.