One hundred and forty-five Vienamese boat refugees were interviewed on arrival and after 3 yr in Norway. The integration into the labor market was poor and the rate of unemployment was relatively high (16%). Eighty-two (63%) were members of the labor force, the rest being students (n=41) or housewives (n=6). Both loss of social status in Vietnam in 1975 and experiences of war trauma were independently related to labor force participation, when age, sex and mental health were controlled for. The risk of unemployment was increased among men and among refugees with low formal education and with no accompanying spouse. Results indicate war trauma may have an impact on career choice and integration into the labor market which is independent of mental helath. -from Authors

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unemployment war trauma labour integration Vietnamese refugees Norway mental health social status Career Choice