Shaping the care they deserve: Needs, expectations, and recommendations of healthcare provision at the New Canadians Health Centre for Afghan refugee women in Edmonton
Abstract
This qualitative inquiry delved into the healthcare needs and experiences of Afghan refugee women resettled in Edmonton, AB, Canada, addressing three primary research questions. Employing a community-based participatory research approach alongside qualitative narrative inquiry, the study explored the lived experiences of Afghan women refugees accessing healthcare services, at the New Canadians Health Centre (NCHC). Through focus groups with six NCHC staff and semi-structured interviews with three Afghan women clients, a nuanced understanding of their
healthcare journeys emerged. Their insights offered valuable recommendations for culturally sensitive service provision. Ultimately, this study highlighted the imperative of culturally safe healthcare practices and underscored the transformative role of community and
empowerment in shaping the healthcare experiences of Afghan refugee women in Canada.
Notes
Community organizations: New Canadian Health Centre (NCHC)
Future research / gaps identified:
Continue exploring the healthcare experiences of Afghan refugee women in order to build evidence-based interventions and policies.
Open access: Yes
Location: Edmonton, AB
Key populations: Afghan refugee women living in Edmonton
Integration timeline: not defined
Key findings:
1) The women had multifaceted contributors, experiences and understandings of health, tracing back to pre-migration challenges in Afghanistan, including societal constraints and disparities in healthcare access.
2) Post-resettlement, the women navigated identity shifts, daily life adjustments, and interactions with the Canadian healthcare system, encountering both positive and challenging experiences.
3) Access to medication and mental health support emerged as crucial post-resettlement needs.
4) Reliance on community networks for health information persisted.
5) Despite obstacles, Afghan refugee women demonstrated resilience and agency, advocating for their health equity.
Key recommendations:
1) Foster a healing relationship between healthcare providers and Afghan refugee women.
2) Exchange information between providers and patients in an open, transparent manner.
3) Respond to patient’s emotions with culturally sensitivity, and help manage patient’s uncertainty.
4) Develop shared decisions regarding the health interventions for the patient.
5) Facilitate self-management of health and health symptoms.