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Migration, Population Mobility and Public Health: Focus on Vulnerable and Marginalised Populations

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2023) | Viewed by 42874

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Gemma Crawford

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
Interests: migration and population mobility; mental health; injury prevention; HIV, BBVs, sexual health; alcohol and other drugs; co-design; public health leadership and investment
Dr. Roanna C. Lobo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
Interests: migration and population mobility; evaluation; Youth mental health promotion; At risk youth; Peer-based health interventions; Aboriginal maternal and child health; sexual health promotion
Dr. Daniel Vujcich

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Collaboration for Evidence, Research and Impact in Public Health, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
Interests: blood-borne viruses; sexual health; aboriginal and torres strait islander health; migrant health; evidence-based policy making
Dr. Horas Wong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Kirby InstituteLevel 6, University of New SouthWales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
Interests: sexually transmissible diseases; sexuality/sexual health; migrant health; homosexuality; Chinese

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The scope, complexity and impact on health between country migration and population mobility are significant. Health outcomes for migrant and mobile populations are influenced by a range of push–pull factors between the country of origin and destination including the direction and destination of movement, socio-economic characteristics, journey conditions, access to social support and legal protections. Particular populations may experience greater health disparities. The global public health crisis precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to increase the fear of, and discrimination towards, mobile and migrant populations. 

The need for a multilevel research agenda into migration, population mobility and health is well recognized. However, mobile and migrant populations remain under-represented in public health research, with factors such as social isolation, language barriers and mistrust often framing populations as ‘hard to reach’. Where research exists, the focus has largely been to define the ‘problem’; comparatively little research has identified ‘what works’ or tested or scaled up interventions to address disparities.

This Special Issue invites theoretical and empirical contributions from diverse disciplines on the following: 

  • Development and evaluation of public health responses to improve health and socio-economic outcomes for mobile and migrant populations;
  • Culturally appropriate and decolonizing models of public health and migration research;
  • Innovative methods for improving the quality of research involving mobile and migrant populations;
  • Insights from mobile and migrant populations highlighting gaps, priorities and solutions;
  • Causes and consequences of public health issues affecting mobile and migrant populations.

Contributions are encouraged from researchers with lived experience and submissions which highlight the voices of those who are affected by migration and population mobility, particularly studies with a focus on co-design and emancipatory approaches. 

Dr. Gemma Crawford
Dr. Roanna C. Lobo
Dr. Daniel Vujcich
Dr. Horas Wong
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • migration
  • public health
  • population mobility
  • intervention
  • evaluation
  • outcomes
  • co-design
  • health literacy
  • marginalization
  • determinants

Published Papers (16 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

11 pages, 346 KiB  
Article
An Intersectional Approach to Hepatitis B
by Christopher Lemoh, Yinzong Xiao, Lien Tran, Nafisa Yussf, Piergiorgio Moro, Sophie Dutertre and Jack Wallace
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 4879; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20064879 - 10 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2279
Abstract
Hepatitis B is a chronic condition, primarily associated with hepatitis B viral infection in early life. The failure of prevention and appropriate management can lead to subsequent liver cirrhosis and cancer. Hepatitis B most commonly affects people born in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa [...] Read more.
Hepatitis B is a chronic condition, primarily associated with hepatitis B viral infection in early life. The failure of prevention and appropriate management can lead to subsequent liver cirrhosis and cancer. Hepatitis B most commonly affects people born in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa and their global diasporas. The physical, psychological, and social impacts of hepatitis B are strongly influenced by sex and gender. Inequities in access to timely, sensitive diagnosis and effective management arise from interactions between structural inequalities related to race, ethnicity, Indigenous/settler status, class, and geography. The biomedical response to hepatitis B has led to advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, but many affected communities have explanatory health belief models that differ from that of biomedicine. We argue that an intersectional approach, led by affected people and communities, can integrate biomedicine with the lived experience and social context that give purpose to and shape all personal, communal, clinical, and public health responses to hepatitis B. This approach has the potential to enable a consciously equitable, effective response to the biopsychosocial complexities of hepatitis B, improve the health and wellbeing of people living with hepatitis B, and reduce hepatitis B-associated mortality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration, Population Mobility and Public Health: Focus on Vulnerable and Marginalised Populations)
18 pages, 389 KiB  
Article
HIV-Related Knowledge and Practices among Asian and African Migrants Living in Australia: Results from a Cross-Sectional Survey and Qualitative Study
by Daniel Vujcich, Alison Reid, Graham Brown, Jo Durham, Rebecca Guy, Lisa Hartley, Limin Mao, Amy B. Mullens, Meagan Roberts and Roanna Lobo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4347; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20054347 - 28 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2172
Abstract
Australian HIV notification rates are higher for people born in Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa compared to Australian-born people. The Migrant Blood-Borne Virus and Sexual Health Survey represents the first attempt to build the national evidence base regarding HIV knowledge, risk [...] Read more.
Australian HIV notification rates are higher for people born in Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa compared to Australian-born people. The Migrant Blood-Borne Virus and Sexual Health Survey represents the first attempt to build the national evidence base regarding HIV knowledge, risk behaviors and testing among migrants in Australia. To inform survey development, preliminary qualitative research was conducted with a convenience sample of n = 23 migrants. A survey was developed with reference to the qualitative data and existing survey instruments. Non-probability sampling of adults born in Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa was undertaken (n = 1489), and descriptive and bivariate analyses of data were conducted. Knowledge of pre-exposure prophylaxis was low (15.59%), and condom use at last sexual encounter was reported by 56.63% of respondents engaging in casual sex, and 51.80% of respondents reported multiple sexual partners. Less than one-third (31.33%) of respondents reported testing for any sexually transmitted infection or blood-borne virus in the previous two years and, of these, less than half (45.95%) tested for HIV. Confusion surrounding HIV testing practices was reported. These findings identify policy interventions and service improvements critically needed to reduce widening disparities regarding HIV in Australia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration, Population Mobility and Public Health: Focus on Vulnerable and Marginalised Populations)
15 pages, 1650 KiB  
Article
Association between Feelings of Trust and Security with Subjective Health among Mexican Migrants in the New York City Area
by Pablo Gaitán-Rossi, Mireya Vilar-Compte, Isabel Ferré-Eguiluz, Luis Ortiz and Erika Garcia
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 2981; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20042981 - 08 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1313
Abstract
The size of the foreign-born population living in the United States makes migrants’ health a substantive policy issue. The health status of Mexican immigrants might be affected by the level of social capital and the social context, including the rhetoric around immigration. We [...] Read more.
The size of the foreign-born population living in the United States makes migrants’ health a substantive policy issue. The health status of Mexican immigrants might be affected by the level of social capital and the social context, including the rhetoric around immigration. We hypothesize that a diminished perception of trust and safety in the community has a negative impact on self-reported health. In a cross-sectional study, we conducted a survey among 266 Mexican Immigrants in the New York City Area who used the Mexican Consulate between May and June 2019 for regular services provided to documented and undocumented immigrants. A univariate and bivariate descriptive analysis by trust and security items first shows the diversity of the Mexican population living in the US and the conditions of vulnerability. Then, logistic regression models estimate the association between trust and security items with self-reported health status. Results show that safety is consistently associated with good self-rated health, especially when rating the neighborhood, and trust showed mixed results, more reliant to the way it is operationalized. The study illustrates a pathway by which perceptions of the social context are associated with migrants’ health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration, Population Mobility and Public Health: Focus on Vulnerable and Marginalised Populations)
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11 pages, 334 KiB  
Article
Traditional Beliefs, Practices, and Migration: A Risk to Malaria Transmission in Rural Nepal
by Kiran Raj Awasthi, Jonine Jancey, Archie C. A. Clements, Rohit Kumar Sah, Madan Prasad Koirala, Binaya Chalise and Justine E. Leavy
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16872; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192416872 - 15 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1661
Abstract
The study aimed to explore sociocultural factors influencing the risk of malaria and practices and beliefs towards malaria prevention, transmission and treatment in a remote village in Khatyad Rural Municipality (KRM) of Nepal. A sequential exploratory mixed methods approach was used. Qualitative data [...] Read more.
The study aimed to explore sociocultural factors influencing the risk of malaria and practices and beliefs towards malaria prevention, transmission and treatment in a remote village in Khatyad Rural Municipality (KRM) of Nepal. A sequential exploratory mixed methods approach was used. Qualitative data were collected through 25 one-on-one, in-depth interviews followed by a face-to-face household survey (n = 218) among people from a village in KRM believed to have a high risk of malaria. Traditional practices such as Chhaupadi requiring the seclusion of women during menstruation and post-partum, transhumance, and reliance on traditional healers for the management of malaria were common practices in the village. The household survey found 98.1% of women faced menstrual exile either inside the house or in a separate hut, with 64.2% not having access to Long-lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs). Hardships and economic constraints compelled villagers to migrate seasonally for work to malaria-endemic areas in India, thereby exposing themselves to the risk of malaria. Persistent traditional beliefs and seasonal migration could threaten the elimination goals set by the national malaria program. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration, Population Mobility and Public Health: Focus on Vulnerable and Marginalised Populations)
16 pages, 513 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Intersections of Migration, Gender, and Sexual Health with Indonesian Women in Perth, Western Australia
by Corie Gray, Gemma Crawford, Bruce Maycock and Roanna Lobo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13707; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192013707 - 21 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1950
Abstract
This paper explores the intersections of migration, gender, and sexual health with Indonesian women living in Perth, Western Australia. The study was part of a larger participatory action research project to co-design an intervention to increase HIV testing in migrant Indonesian women. Unstructured [...] Read more.
This paper explores the intersections of migration, gender, and sexual health with Indonesian women living in Perth, Western Australia. The study was part of a larger participatory action research project to co-design an intervention to increase HIV testing in migrant Indonesian women. Unstructured interviews were conducted with adult Indonesian women (n = 10) on their experiences of migration and sexual health. Zimmerman’s migration phases (pre-departure and travel, destination, and return) provided a framework to conceptualize women’s migration journeys. We found that women’s migration journeys were shaped by gender, with male-led migration often reinforcing gender norms. Structural and sociocultural factors (including visa status) influenced women’s sense of belonging while living in Australia, such as help-seeking behaviour and engagement in sexual relationships. Intersecting factors of gender, culture, and the migration process should be considered when designing public health interventions to improve women’s sexual health, in particular migration policies and procedures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration, Population Mobility and Public Health: Focus on Vulnerable and Marginalised Populations)
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25 pages, 1472 KiB  
Article
Strategies for Recruiting Migrants to Participate in a Sexual Health Survey: Methods, Results, and Lessons
by Daniel Vujcich, Graham Brown, Jo Durham, Zhihong Gu, Lisa Hartley, Roanna Lobo, Limin Mao, Piergiorgio Moro, Vivienne Pillay, Amy B. Mullens, Enaam Oudih, Meagan Roberts, Caitlin Wilshin and Alison Reid
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12213; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191912213 - 26 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1958
Abstract
In this article, we describe the approaches taken to recruit adult migrants living in Australia for a sexual health and blood-borne virus survey (paper and online) and present data detailing the outcomes of these approaches. The purpose was to offer guidance to redress [...] Read more.
In this article, we describe the approaches taken to recruit adult migrants living in Australia for a sexual health and blood-borne virus survey (paper and online) and present data detailing the outcomes of these approaches. The purpose was to offer guidance to redress the under-representation of migrants in public health research. Methods of recruitment included directly contacting people in individual/organizational networks, social media posts/advertising, promotion on websites, and face-to-face recruitment at public events/venues. Search query strings were used to provide information about an online referral source, and project officers kept records of activities and outcomes. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to determine respondent demographic characteristics, proportions recruited to complete the paper and online surveys, and sources of referral. Logistic regression analyses were run to predict online participation according to demographic characteristics. The total sample comprised 1454 African and Asian migrants, with 59% identifying as female. Most respondents (72%) were recruited to complete the paper version of the survey. Face-to-face invitations resulted in the highest number of completions. Facebook advertising did not recruit large numbers of respondents. Same-sex attraction and age (40–49 years) were statistically significant predictors of online completion. We encourage more researchers to build the evidence base on ways to produce research that reflects the needs and perspectives of minority populations who often bear the greatest burden of disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration, Population Mobility and Public Health: Focus on Vulnerable and Marginalised Populations)
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16 pages, 961 KiB  
Article
Online Peer-Support Group’s Role in Addressing Filipino Domestic Workers’ Social Support Needs: Content and Social Media Metrics Analysis
by Qijin Cheng and Christine Vicera
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9665; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19159665 - 05 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2551
Abstract
The study aimed to examine what types of social support a prominent online peer support group has provided to Filipino domestic workers (FDWs) in Hong Kong (HK), how impactful each type of support was, and to what extent the support could address group [...] Read more.
The study aimed to examine what types of social support a prominent online peer support group has provided to Filipino domestic workers (FDWs) in Hong Kong (HK), how impactful each type of support was, and to what extent the support could address group members’ expressed needs. Posts published from 1 September 2021 to 31 December 2021 in one of the largest online peer-support groups for FDWs in HK and their meta-data were extracted from Facebook. Thematic content analysis was performed to extract relevant information from the posts. Descriptive statistical analysis on the social media metrics was conducted to measure post impacts. A total of 599 posts published over the study period can be categorized to provide informational (76.67%), emotional (33.56%), and instrumental support (13.52%). Posts including emotional support were often more impactful. A total of 58 posts responded to requests explicitly expressed by individual FDWs, of which 13 required external resources. The online peer-support group acts as a new channel to raise FDWs’ awareness of important issues related to their well-being, to encourage and facilitate them to seek formal and informal help, and to keep them emotionally attended to. Formal support services should recognize and collaborate with them and support their long-term sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration, Population Mobility and Public Health: Focus on Vulnerable and Marginalised Populations)
25 pages, 7478 KiB  
Article
Social Network Analysis on the Mobility of Three Vulnerable Population Subgroups: Domestic Workers, Flight Crews, and Sailors during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hong Kong
by Weijun Yu, Cheryll Alipio, Jia’an Wan, Heran Mane and Quynh C. Nguyen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7565; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19137565 - 21 Jun 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1714
Abstract
Background: Domestic workers, flight crews, and sailors are three vulnerable population subgroups who were required to travel due to occupational demand in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the social networks among three vulnerable [...] Read more.
Background: Domestic workers, flight crews, and sailors are three vulnerable population subgroups who were required to travel due to occupational demand in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the social networks among three vulnerable population subgroups and capture temporal changes in their probability of being exposed to SARS-CoV-2 via mobility. Methods: We included 652 COVID-19 cases and utilized Exponential Random Graph Models to build six social networks: one for the cross-sectional cohort, and five for the temporal wave cohorts, respectively. Vertices were the three vulnerable population subgroups. Edges were shared scenarios where vertices were exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Results: The probability of being exposed to a COVID-19 case in Hong Kong among the three vulnerable population subgroups increased from 3.38% in early 2020 to 5.78% in early 2022. While domestic workers were less mobile intercontinentally compared to flight crews and sailors, domestic workers were 1.81-times in general more likely to be exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions: Vulnerable populations with similar ages and occupations, especially younger domestic workers and flight crew members, were more likely to be exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Social network analysis can be used to provide critical information on the health risks of infectious diseases to vulnerable populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration, Population Mobility and Public Health: Focus on Vulnerable and Marginalised Populations)
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14 pages, 1109 KiB  
Article
Variation in Seeking Care for Cardiovascular Disease and Ambulance Utilization among Migrants in Australia: Time, Ethnicity, and Delay (TED) Study III
by Kannikar Hannah Wechkunanukul, Shahid Ullah and Justin Beilby
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1516; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19031516 - 28 Jan 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3628
Abstract
Insight into differences in seeking medical care for chest pain among migrant populations is limited. This study aimed to determine ethnic differences in seeking care behaviors and using ambulances among migrants compared to an Australian-born group. A total of 607 patients presenting with [...] Read more.
Insight into differences in seeking medical care for chest pain among migrant populations is limited. This study aimed to determine ethnic differences in seeking care behaviors and using ambulances among migrants compared to an Australian-born group. A total of 607 patients presenting with chest pain to a tertiary hospital between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2014 were randomly selected. Data from the emergency department dataset and medical record reviews were collected and linked for analysis. The migrant group was stratified into nine ethnic groups for analysis based on the Australian Standard Classification of Cultural and Ethnic Groups. The overall median prehospital delay time was 3.7 (1.5, 10.7) h, which ranged from 2.5 (1.0, 10.7) (Southern and Eastern European group) to 6.0 (2.3, 20.6) (Sub-Saharan African group). The median decision time was 2.0 (0.8, 7.9) h, which ranged from 1.5 (Australian-born group) to 4.5 h (Sub-Saharan African group). Five ethnic groups had significantly longer decision times compared to the Australian-born group. Decision time accounted for 58.4% of pre-hospital delay time. Migrant patients were 60% less likely to seek care for chest pain within one hour (odds ratio 0.40, (0.23–0.68), p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in ambulance utilization between migrant and Australian-born groups. In conclusion, ethnic differences in seeking care for chest pain do exist, and ethnicity plays a vital role in a longer delay in seeking care. To reduce the delays and improve patient outcomes, appropriate health campaigns focusing on ethnic differences among migrant populations and normalizing cultural competency into practice are recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration, Population Mobility and Public Health: Focus on Vulnerable and Marginalised Populations)
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13 pages, 306 KiB  
Article
Working Hard and Pushing Through: A Thematic Analysis of Humanitarian Migrants’ Experiences in the Australian Workforce
by Patricia Cain and Alison Reid
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11502; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182111502 - 01 Nov 2021
Viewed by 1659
Abstract
Employment can play an important role for humanitarian migrants in their successful integration into a new country. For humanitarian migrants to Australia, there are no skill or language restrictions imposed on resettlement. Despite the benefits, humanitarian migrants often find themselves in low-status jobs [...] Read more.
Employment can play an important role for humanitarian migrants in their successful integration into a new country. For humanitarian migrants to Australia, there are no skill or language restrictions imposed on resettlement. Despite the benefits, humanitarian migrants often find themselves in low-status jobs and precarious working conditions. The present study examines perceptions of job quality and exposure to workforce psychosocial risk factors such as job strain, bullying, and discrimination. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 30 humanitarian migrants from South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Thematic analysis of transcripts identified three overarching themes: Uncertainty and Insecurity, Working Hard and Pushing Through, and Positive Attitudes and Actions. Overall, our findings show that despite high levels of education and long-term residency in Australia, many of the participants struggled to find a safe and secure place in the workforce. While some spoke about their work in positive terms, their comments should not be taken as confirmation of a positive work environment. Humanitarian migrants face an uphill battle against oppressive working conditions and underemployment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration, Population Mobility and Public Health: Focus on Vulnerable and Marginalised Populations)

Review

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22 pages, 897 KiB  
Review
Public Health Interventions to Address Housing and Mental Health amongst Migrants from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds Living in High-Income Countries: A Scoping Review
by Gemma Crawford, Elizabeth Connor, Kahlia McCausland, Karina Reeves and Krysten Blackford
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16946; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192416946 - 16 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2848
Abstract
Migrants from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds experience factors that may increase health inequities related to a range of determinants of health including housing and mental health. However, the intersection between mental health and housing for migrants is poorly understood. A scoping [...] Read more.
Migrants from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds experience factors that may increase health inequities related to a range of determinants of health including housing and mental health. However, the intersection between mental health and housing for migrants is poorly understood. A scoping review searched four academic databases for concepts related to cultural and linguistic diversity, housing conditions, and public health interventions to address homelessness. A total of 49 articles were included and seven key themes identified: housing provision; mental health intersections and interventions; complexity and needs beyond housing; substance use; service provider and policy issues; the role of cultural and linguistic diversity; and consumer experience. The intersection of ethnicity with other social determinants of health and housing was highlighted though there were limited interventions tailored for migrants. Studies generally pointed to the positive impacts of Housing First. Other sub-themes emerged: social connection and community; shame, stigma, and discrimination; health and support requirements; and employment, financial assistance, and income. Consumer choice was identified as vital, along with the need for systemic anti-racism work and interventions. To support secure housing for migrants and mitigate mental health impacts, closer attention is required towards migration factors along with broader, tailored services complementing housing provision. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration, Population Mobility and Public Health: Focus on Vulnerable and Marginalised Populations)
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18 pages, 985 KiB  
Review
Peer Mentoring Programs for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Refugee and Migrant Women: An Integrative Review
by Shelley Gower, Zakia Jeemi, David Forbes, Paul Kebble and Jaya A. R. Dantas
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12845; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191912845 - 07 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2438
Abstract
Refugee and migrant women experience personal, cultural and structural challenges as they adapt to new lives in host countries. Peer mentoring programs are used to facilitate resettlement, build empowerment and improve job-readiness for refugee and migrant women; however, the effectiveness of these programs [...] Read more.
Refugee and migrant women experience personal, cultural and structural challenges as they adapt to new lives in host countries. Peer mentoring programs are used to facilitate resettlement, build empowerment and improve job-readiness for refugee and migrant women; however, the effectiveness of these programs is not well understood. A systematic search of five databases, plus grey literature from January 2005 to December 2020, was undertaken, resulting in 12 articles. A narrative synthesis using thematic analysis identified the key components and outcomes of effective programs. Most mentoring programs were co-designed with community-based service providers, using participatory approaches to ensure cultural acceptability. Communication and sharing were facilitated using workshops and individual in-person or telephone mentoring. The training and support of mentors was critical. However, differences in expectations between mentors and mentees at times resulted in attrition. Qualitative evaluation revealed enhanced social support, greater empowerment and confidence for the women. There was improved access to the social determinants of health such as education, but limited success in obtaining employment. Mentoring programs can enhance refugee and migrant women’s wellbeing and social connectedness in resettlement contexts. However, it is unclear whether these benefits can be sustained over the longer term. Future programs should be rigorously evaluated through qualitative and quantitative analyses to generate conclusive evidence for best practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration, Population Mobility and Public Health: Focus on Vulnerable and Marginalised Populations)
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25 pages, 538 KiB  
Review
The Challenge of Reaching Undocumented Migrants with COVID-19 Vaccination
by Stephen A. Matlin, Alyna C. Smith, Jessica Merone, Michele LeVoy, Jalpa Shah, Frank Vanbiervliet, Stéphanie Vandentorren, Joanna Vearey and Luciano Saso
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 9973; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19169973 - 12 Aug 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3114
Abstract
Access to vaccination against a health threat such as that presented by the COVID-19 pandemic is an imperative driven, in principle, by at least three compelling factors: (1) the right to health of all people, irrespective of their status; (2) humanitarian need of [...] Read more.
Access to vaccination against a health threat such as that presented by the COVID-19 pandemic is an imperative driven, in principle, by at least three compelling factors: (1) the right to health of all people, irrespective of their status; (2) humanitarian need of undocumented migrants, as well as of others including documented migrants, refugees and displaced people who are sometimes vulnerable and living in precarious situations; and (3) the need to ensure heath security globally and nationally, which in the case of a global pandemic requires operating on the basis that, for vaccination strategies to succeed in fighting a pandemic, the highest possible levels of vaccine uptake are required. Yet some population segments have had limited access to mainstream health systems, both prior to as well as during the COVID-19 pandemic. People with irregular resident status are among those who face extremely high barriers in accessing both preventative and curative health care. This is due to a range of factors that drive exclusion, both on the supply side (e.g., systemic and practical restrictions in service delivery) and the demand side (e.g., in uptake, including due to fears that personal data would be transmitted to immigration authorities). Moreover, undocumented people have often been at increased risk of infection due to their role as “essential workers”, including those experiencing higher exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus due to frontline occupations while lacking protective equipment. Often, they have also been largely left out of social protection measures granted by governments to their populations during successive lockdowns. This article reviews the factors that serve as supply-side and demand-side barriers to vaccination for undocumented migrants and considers what steps need to be taken to ensure that inclusive approaches operate in practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration, Population Mobility and Public Health: Focus on Vulnerable and Marginalised Populations)
16 pages, 722 KiB  
Review
Peer Support and Mental Health of Migrant Domestic Workers: A Scoping Review
by Ken Hok Man Ho, Chen Yang, Alex Kwun Yat Leung, Daniel Bressington, Wai Tong Chien, Qijin Cheng and Daphne Sze Ki Cheung
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7617; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19137617 - 22 Jun 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4663
Abstract
The effectiveness of peer support in improving mental health and well-being has been well documented for vulnerable populations. However, how peer support is delivered to migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to support their mental health is still unknown. This scoping review aimed to synthesize [...] Read more.
The effectiveness of peer support in improving mental health and well-being has been well documented for vulnerable populations. However, how peer support is delivered to migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to support their mental health is still unknown. This scoping review aimed to synthesize evidence on existing peer support services for improving mental health among MDWs. We systematically searched eight electronic databases, as well as grey literature. Two reviewers independently performed title/abstract and full-text screening, and data extraction. Twelve articles were finally included. Two types of peer support were identified from the included studies, i.e., mutual aid and para-professional trained peer support. MDWs mainly seek support from peers through mutual aid for emotional comfort. The study’s findings suggest that the para-professional peer support training program was highly feasible and culturally appropriate for MDWs. However, several barriers were identified to affect the successful implementation of peer support, such as concerns about emotion contagion among peers, worries about disclosure of personal information, and lack of support from health professionals. Culture-specific peer support programs should be developed in the future to overcome these barriers to promote more effective mental health practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration, Population Mobility and Public Health: Focus on Vulnerable and Marginalised Populations)
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27 pages, 923 KiB  
Review
A Rapid Review of Interventions to Increase Hepatitis B Testing, Treatment, and Monitoring among Migrants Living in Australia
by Vishnupriya Rajkumar, Kahlia McCausland and Roanna Lobo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 5947; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19105947 - 13 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2239
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) disproportionately affects migrants with low health literacy and help-seeking behaviour living in high-income countries. Evidence of effective interventions is required to increase hepatitis B (HBV) testing, treatment, and monitoring. Available evidence from Medline, Embase, Scopus, Google, and Google Scholar [...] Read more.
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) disproportionately affects migrants with low health literacy and help-seeking behaviour living in high-income countries. Evidence of effective interventions is required to increase hepatitis B (HBV) testing, treatment, and monitoring. Available evidence from Medline, Embase, Scopus, Google, and Google Scholar was identified, collated, and synthesised. Inclusion criteria included grey and peer-reviewed literature published in English between January 2012 and December 2021. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were excluded. Seventeen peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria. Most interventions were conducted at the individual level and were typically outreach testing initiatives. One study was conducted at a structural level. All studies were successful in encouraging HBV screening uptake, and 10 studies demonstrated effective linkage to care. Two studies showed evidence of monitoring participants post-intervention. Most interventions had more female than male participants. Interventions conducted across community and clinical-based settings had more participants engage in screening and/or linkage to care in community settings. Effective interventions to prevent HBV transmission and CHB-related morbidity and mortality were approaches that utilised linguistic-specific and culturally appropriate resources to successfully engage migrants. Community outreach programmes that educate participants about HBV transmission, screening, and treatment can promote community dialogue and understanding to reduce stigma and discrimination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration, Population Mobility and Public Health: Focus on Vulnerable and Marginalised Populations)
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13 pages, 716 KiB  
Review
(Not That) Essential: A Scoping Review of Migrant Workers’ Access to Health Services and Social Protection during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand
by Satrio Nindyo Istiko, Jo Durham and Lana Elliott
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2981; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19052981 - 03 Mar 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4327
Abstract
Migrant workers have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To examine their access to health services and social protection during the pandemic, we conducted an exploratory scoping review on experiences of migrant workers in three countries with comparable immigration, health, and welfare [...] Read more.
Migrant workers have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To examine their access to health services and social protection during the pandemic, we conducted an exploratory scoping review on experiences of migrant workers in three countries with comparable immigration, health, and welfare policies: Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. After screening 961 peer-reviewed and grey literature sources, five studies were included. Using immigration status as a lens, we found that despite more inclusive policies in response to the pandemic, temporary migrant workers, especially migrant farm workers and international students, remained excluded from health services and social protection. Findings demonstrate that exploitative employment practices, precarity, and racism contribute to the continued exclusion of temporary migrant workers. The interplay between these factors, with structural racism at its core, reflect the colonial histories of these countries and their largely neoliberal approaches to immigration. To address this inequity, proactive action that recognizes and targets these structural determinants at play is essential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration, Population Mobility and Public Health: Focus on Vulnerable and Marginalised Populations)
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