Australian Journal of Primary Health
Volume 24, Issue 1, 2018, Pages 90-97

Health seeking narratives of unwell Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Melbourne Australia (Article)

Samuel S.* , Advocat J. , Russell G.
  • a Monash University, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Southern Academic Primary Care Research Unit, Building 1, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, VIC 3168, Australia
  • b Monash University, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Department of General Practice, Building 1, 270 Ferntree Gully RoadVIC 3168, Australia
  • c Monash University, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Department of General Practice, Building 1, 270 Ferntree Gully RoadVIC 3168, Australia

Abstract

Sri Lankan Tamil refugees are among the largest group of refugees to resettle in Australia in the last decade. The aim of this study is to characterise the narratives of health-seeking among unwell Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Drawing on a qualitative, phenomenological perspective, we conducted in-depth interviews in Tamil and English with 12 participants who identified as being unwell for 6 months or more. Findings revealed three narratives of health-seeking: the search for the 'good life' that was lost or never experienced, seeking help from familiar channels in an unfamiliar context, and the desire for financial and occupational independence. These three narratives are undergirded by the metanarrative of a hope-filled recovery. These narratives of Tamil refugees' lived experience provide new insights into clinical care and health service delivery. © La Trobe University 2018.

Author Keywords

qualitative methods. health-seeking narratives

Index Keywords

personal experience narrative refugee human Refugees statistics and numerical data Victoria ethnology Sri Lanka interview Humans psychology male female drawing qualitative analysis verbal communication clinical article Narration Article adult human experiment patient attitude Patient Acceptance of Health Care health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85042486564&doi=10.1071%2fPY17033&partnerID=40&md5=156a0676250277cfc6a05ebfa1052f2b
DOI: 10.1071/PY17033
ISSN: 14487527
Original Language: English