A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Health susceptibility perceptions among Iranian, Afghan and Tajik minorities in three Nordic countries
Authors: Ahmadinia, Hamed; Heinstrom, Jannica; Eriksson-Backa, Kristina; Nikou, Shahrokh
Publisher: EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LTD
Publishing place: Leeds
Publication year: 2024
Journal:International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care
Journal name in sourceINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MIGRATION HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
Journal acronym: INT J MIGR HEALTH SO
Volume: 20
Issue: 2
First page : 290
Last page: 304
Number of pages: 15
ISSN: 1747-9894
eISSN: 2042-8650
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMHSC-03-2023-0028
Web address : https://www.emerald.com/ijmhsc/article/20/2/290/1225041/Health-susceptibility-perceptions-among-Iranian
Purpose - This research paper aims to delve into the perceptions of health susceptibility among Iranian, Afghan and Tajik individuals hailing from asylum-seeking or refused asylum-seeking backgrounds currently residing in Finland, Norway and Sweden. Design/methodology/approach - Semi-structured interviews were conducted between May and October 2022 involving a sample size of 27 participants. An adapted framework based on the health belief model along with previous studies served as a guide for formulating interview questions. Findings - Notably influenced by cultural background, religious beliefs, psychological states and past traumatic experiences during migration journeys - before arrival in these countries till settling down - subjects' perception of health concerns emerged significantly shaped. Additionally impacting perspectives were social standing, occupational status, personal/family medical history, lifestyle choices and dietary preferences nurtured over time, leading to varying degrees of influence upon individuals' interpretation about their own wellness or illness. Practical implications - Insights garnered throughout the authors' analysis hold paramount significance when it comes to developing targeted strategies catering culturally sensitive health-care provisions, alongside framing policies better aligned with primary care services tailored explicitly around singular demands posed by these specific communities dwelling within respective territories. Originality/value - This investigation represents one among few pioneering initiatives assessing perceptions regarding both physical and mental well-being within minority groups under examination across Nordic nations, unveiling complexities arising through intersecting factors like individual attributes mingling intricately with socio-cultural environments, thereby forming unique viewpoints towards health-care belief systems prevalent among such population segments.
