Refugees cite separation from family as an important source of stress and sadness in their lives.
This is the finding from a study of Sudanese refugees published in the latest issue of Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.
Dr Michael Savic and colleagues from the University of Adelaide also found that when relatives abroad are unsafe, refugees’ sense of wellbeing in Australia was also threatened.
“Some Sudanese refugees feel guilt for being able to escape a situation that significant others may still be experiencing,” Dr Savic said.
“Separation from family could have a tangible impact on the mental health of resettling refugees as well as family roles and responsibilities.
“Another great pressure facing refugees is the need to send money home, which can take priority over local concerns.
“As well as helping family members, sending money was considered a way to maintain ‘Sudanese’ identity or a way of participating in the family or community.
“When refugees were unable to send money home, this could result in a sense of a failure and guilt.
“Strategies refugees use to cope with the stress of separation from family, include maintaining contact through the use of information communication technologies (ICTs), and family-reunification.
“Services are well placed to support refugees, helping them find employment and community and social support networks, facilitating access to ICTs, and through advocacy in family re-unification cases.”
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The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health is published by the Public Health Association of Australia. Information on the Association and the Journal can be found at http://www.phaa.net.au
ANZJPH Administration
Peta Neilson, 03-9329-3535
anzjph@substitution.com.au