Qualitative Social Work
Volume 16, Issue 1, 2017, Pages 96-112

Challenges and coping strategies of refugees: Exploring residual Liberian refugees’ experiences in Ghana (Article)

Dako-Gyeke M.* , Adu E.
  • a Department of Social Work, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
  • b Department of Social Work, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana

Abstract

This study explored the challenges and coping strategies among Liberian refugees in Ghana. Using a qualitative research design, 40 participants were purposively recruited at a refugee settlement in Ghana. Four focus group discussions and sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted. The focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically based on the objectives of the study. The findings indicated that the refugees experienced challenges related to disruption in social networks, disputes over resources, high rate of unemployment, and increased level of criminal activities. The study also revealed that the refugees included in this study resorted to religion, spirituality, and income earning activities as their coping strategies. The findings offer insights for social workers, policy actors, and future research. © 2015, © The Author(s) 2015.

Author Keywords

Migration Spirituality Refugees Focus group Coping Faith

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85009792155&doi=10.1177%2f1473325015596218&partnerID=40&md5=29ac9939c6984392a0456def79dd044a

DOI: 10.1177/1473325015596218
ISSN: 14733250
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English