Description
- Abstract:
- As a health navigator for a Syrian family, I gained first-hand exposure to challenges and opportunities refugees experienced during resettlement in Providence, RI. The purpose of this work is two-fold: (1) To characterize refugee resettlement in Providence, RI based on experiences and perspective of two Syrian refugee women, and (2) Use research findings to recommend strategies for health services in Providence to support resettled and newly-arriving refugees. Serial life-history interviews were started in January 2018, and content of each interview informed subsequent interviews. I also spent unstructured participant observation during social activities, religious ceremonies and healthcare appointments. Interpretation of language and culture was facilitated by a member of the Syrian refugee community. Data were analyzed using the “immersion-crystallization” method, which involved audio transcription, careful reading of transcripts, note writing, cross-comparison between participants, and personal reflection over time about each participant and family’s experience. Eight themes were identified: (1) Religion provides hope and brings together Syrian refugees, (2) Women’s roles reflect the environment of their upbringing, (3) Families arrive with high hopes for job prospects that may require additional training and support, (4) Initial housing may be unwelcoming and housing search is complicated by language barrier, (5) Harassment may arise between refugees or between US-born Syrians and Syrian refugees, (6) Refugees want to learn and practice English in a safe space, (7) American habits may influence Syrian refugees’ lifestyles/health, and (8) Families dissatisfied with school, and transportation can be a barrier. Recommendations for care providers working with refugees were developed based on these themes.
- Notes:
- Scholarly concentration: Non-Scholarly Concentrator
Access Conditions
- Use and Reproduction
- All rights reserved
Citation
Panuganti, Pranati, Al-Hariri, Lina, Ochs, Elizabeth,, et al.,
"What is Your Story? Post-resettlement Experience of Two Syrian Families in Providence, RI"
(2018).
Warren Alpert Medical School Academic Symposium.
Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library.
https://repository.library.brown.edu/studio/item/bdr:833806/
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Warren Alpert Medical School Academic Symposium
The Warren Alpert Medical School Academic Symposium is an annual event at Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University that provides Year II medical students a venue to present their summer research in a poster format. Participation in the Symposium …...