Exploring the Migration and Health Trajectories of Iranian Refugees in Canada
Date
2023-04-19
Authors
Vaghefi, Sanam
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This study focuses on the migration and health trajectories of Iranian refugees in Canada. More specifically, it addresses how post-2009 Iranian refugees in Canada understand and view their migration and health-related experiences. In addition, this research explores how Iranian refugees perform agency and power in the constrained frames of their migration and health trajectories. A phenomenological framework based on lived experiences is used to address these issues, together with intersectionality and political economy perspectives. Data are collected through qualitative interviews with 15 Iranian refugees as well as through online content published in weblogs and other websites. The results of this study illustrate that Iranian refugees have diverse migration trajectories, varying in terms of their pre-migration, waiting, and post-migration experiences. These diverse experiences shape their physical and mental health trajectories and access to healthcare. While refugee migration leads to lifestyle and health behavior changes affecting their physical health, their mental health is often affected by the trauma, grief, loss, stress, social isolation, and loneliness associated with displacement. Still, Iranian refugees perform agency in various ways in an effort to cope with these experiences.
Description
Keywords
refugees, health, migration, Iranians, refugees in Canada, UNHCR, asylum seekers, refugee mental health, sociology of migration, sociology of health, migration trajectories, health trajectories, Iranian refugees in Canada, LGBT Refugees