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.