A systematic review of Karen refugee health
International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care
ISSN: 1747-9894
Article publication date: 7 March 2016
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive perspective of the documented physical and mental health issues Karen refugees from Burma face as a result of war and refugee trauma, and migration. The review will address the question: What is the impact of trauma and migration on the physical and mental health of Karen refugees?
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 18 articles were systematically selected for inclusion in the final review. The focal content for included articles includes qualitative and quantitative research representative of the health and migration experiences of Karen refugees.
Findings
The findings of this review demonstrate significance for health providers from a public health standpoint as programs and services are targeted to meet the specific health needs of the Karen community. It also highlights the contribution of the Karen forced migration experience to the complexity of individual and community health needs, particularly as a result of the protracted conflict.
Originality/value
This critical appraisal of the body of literature describing the health experiences of Karen refugees from Burma, with a particular focus on outcomes relevant to resettlement, demonstrates value as programs are developed with an integrated refugee perspective.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Dr Carolyn M. Garcia and Dr Cynthia J. Peden-McAlpine for their thoughtful feedback and valuable input in the development of this work.
Citation
Hoffman, S.J. and Robertson, C.L. (2016), "A systematic review of Karen refugee health", International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, Vol. 12 No. 1, pp. 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMHSC-04-2015-0010
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited