Journal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community
Volume 46, Issue 1, 2018, Pages 43-60

Community perspectives on substance use among Bhutanese and Iraqi refugees resettled in the United States (Article)

Mirza M.Q.* , Harrison E.A. , Chang H.-C. , Salo C.D. , Birman D.
  • a Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
  • b Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
  • c Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
  • d Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
  • e Department of Educational and Psychological Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States

Abstract

Premigration trauma and postmigration stressors put refugees at high risk for mental health concerns, including substance use. However, there is limited systematic research on substance use in refugee communities exists. We conducted exploratory qualitative research to examine Bhutanese and Iraqi refugee perspectives related to the use of recreational substances after resettlement in the United States. Data were collected through separate focus groups with 28 Bhutanese and 22 Iraqi adult men. Focus groups were facilitated by an experienced clinician with an in-person interpreter, audiorecorded, and transcribed. Transcripts were checked for accurate translation and then analyzed using a conventional content analysis approach. Findings revealed similarities and differences between the two refugee groups with regard to recognizing excessive use, triggers for use, and preferred modes of outreach and intervention. Findings also revealed postmigration changes in substance use behaviors stemming from issues related to access, cost, and perceived legal ramifications. © 2018 Taylor & Francis.

Author Keywords

Mental health Bhutanese and Iraqi refugees Substance use

Index Keywords

information processing refugee Iraqi mental health human Refugees Iraq Substance-Related Disorders comparative study drug dependence ethnology Bhutan qualitative research United States Humans psychology Cross-Cultural Comparison male substance use cultural factor genetic transcription adult human experiment content analysis Focus Groups Midwestern United States
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85039168537&doi=10.1080%2f10852352.2018.1385956&partnerID=40&md5=a083d7f52aac071d3ab7d5dbd3201783
DOI: 10.1080/10852352.2018.1385956
ISSN: 10852352
Original Language: English