Session: Examining Factors Affecting the Health and Wellbeing of Refugees, Immigrants, and Indigenous Populations in the US (Society for Social Work and Research 22nd Annual Conference - Achieving Equal Opportunity, Equity, and Justice)

Refugees, immigrants, and indigenous populations are among the most vulnerable populations in the world (World Health Organization, 2017). In the United States (US) refugees, immigrants, and indigenous peoples must confront numerous factors that can negatively impact their health and wellbeing. As survivors of trauma and displacement, refugees are a vulnerable population at risk for psychological distress (Neuner & Elbert, 2007). Immigrants, especially undocumented immigrants, often live in fear of having themselves or a loved one detained or deported, which can create numerous negative mental health outcomes (Vargas et al., 2017). While native to the US, indigenous populations often live in isolated regions and face numerous factors that can have deleterious physical and mental health consequences (Ford, 2012). Despite these issues, refugee, immigrant, and indigenous populations possess unique cultural and familial strengths that can serve as protective factors. Unfortunately, social work research and practice have not adequately responded to the increasing and evolving issues impacting the health and wellbeing of refugees, immigrants, and indigenous populations in the US.

The current social and political climate regarding refugees, immigrants, and indigenous populations in the US, warrant our focus on these vulnerable populations in order to develop appropriate, effective, and culturally grounded interventions. The purpose of this symposium is to examine risk and protective factors of refugee, immigrant, and indigenous populations to promote their wellbeing and to discuss strategies for culturally appropriate interventions and future research.

The first paper is a qualitative study of African refugee survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) living in the US. The findings indicate that the women experienced sexual and physical violence. This paper highlights the experiences of IPV and service needs of African refugee survivors of IPV.

The second paper in the symposium is a quantitative study which examines the impact of pre- and post-migration stressors on the physical and emotional health of Vietnamese and Cambodian refugee women in the US. The results indicated trauma, discrimination, and acculturation were found to be associated with lower physical and emotional wellbeing.

The third paper in the symposium examines the relationship of being stopped or detained by immigration officials and the mental health of Latino immigrants. The results indicated that Latino immigrants who reported being stopped or detained by immigration officials were found to have significantly more symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety.

The fourth paper uses a concurrent mixed methods design to examine how environmental changes and discrimination impact the mental health of indigenous populations of south Louisiana. The results quantitative results indicated those who experience discrimination and those who were exposed to environmental changes were significantly more likely to meet the criteria for a mental health diagnosis. Participants also reported how they observed and experienced changes to their environment.

This symposium disseminates research findings on important and current issues facing refugees, immigrants, and indigenous individuals and families. Symposium participants will gain deeper understanding of research which can be used to further culturally grounded interventions to improve the health and wellbeing of refugee, immigrant, and indigenous populations in the US.