"It's not just about being here, but what brought you here": A qualitative study of the role of migration experiences in shaping im/migrant women's access to healthcare.

This qualitative study aimed to understand how migration experiences shape im/migrant women's needs, desire for, and expectations of healthcare in the British Columbia (BC), Canada context. Interviews with 33 im/migrant women (December 2018-January 2020) highlighted that traumatic experiences across migration increased healthcare needs; insufficient prior health system information contributed to poor experiences; and comparative healthcare experiences across places shaped future healthcare expectations. We use the BC setting to demonstrate the need to abide by global commitments to protect people during migration, train providers in trauma-informed care, develop health assessments that center migration journeys, and appropriately fund im/migrant-serving community organizations.

From struggle to hope: A gender-sensitive investigation on Nigerian male and female asylum seekers' experiences.

The study presents a qualitative and culturally-sensitive investigation of the lived experiences of the forced migration of six Nigerian asylum seekers, three men and three women, hosted in Italy. Through a focus on gender identity issues, the study aimed to explore possible gender differences between participants and define their specific needs, requirements and characteristics. Overall, the gender-focused perspective through which we explored participants' subjective experiences has enriched our understanding of their unique life stories, shedding light on the psychic dimensions as well as on the social and cultural inscriptions of their gender identity and providing insights on the different ways in which Nigerian women and men made sense of their experiences of displacement, migration, violence and trauma.

'Wait and wait, that is the only thing they can say': a qualitative study exploring experiences of immigrated Syrian doctors applying for medical license in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Due to the civil war in Syria, many Syrian citizens have had to flee their country during recent years, among them many physicians. Germany is among the preferred immigration countries. Immigrant Syrian physicians could help overcome the prevailing shortage of medical specialists in Germany. This study explores the experiences and perceptions of Syrian physicians of the licensure process and job application. The study aims at understanding barriers in integrating Syrian doctors into the German health care system. METHODS: We conducted 20 semi standardized interviews with Syrian doctors (n = 17 m; n = 3 f) living in different federal states in Germany. The interviews dealt with the procedure of the accreditation process, its speed and challenges, the interactions with authorities, and the job application process; they were transcribed verbatim. A detailed content analysis was performed. RESULTS: All interviewees described the licensure process as a complex, lengthy, ever-changing and non-transparent procedure, which is perceived as a partly unfair, sometimes arbitrary bureaucracy. They often feel at mercy of Government employees and report experiences with reviewers who ask for absurd and impossible accomplishments, refuse to give information, and act at random. As a consequence, the interviewees describe themselves as depressed, irritated and/or in despair. According to the interviews, informational and practical support from official institutions was scarce. Instead, the Syrian doctors relied on peers or, in some cases, German friends to understand the requirements and seek information about the licensure process. To find a job placement, it was very helpful, if not essential, to have a German acquaintance establishing contact with possible employers. All three interviewed female doctors reported that their wearing a Hijab led to episodes of discrimination in their job search. CONCLUSIONS: The study points towards the necessity to establish an official information source which provides immigrant doctors with accurate and detailed information about the licensure process, e.g. required documents, estimated waiting times, regulation for courses and exams, criteria regarding credentials, sources of help, etc. Additionally, it seems advisable to consider providing help with regard to the job search and sensitize hospital management for cultural and religious diversity to avoid discrimination.

Ageing well in a foreign land as a process of successful social identity change.

PURPOSE: Over and above the risks associated with ageing, older migrants are also at risk of social isolation. The social identity approach, and the Social Identity Model of Identity Change (SIMIC) in particular, provides a theoretical basis from which to understand the factors contributing to social isolation and how this then impacts on older migrants' capacity to age well in a foreign land. Building on the recognition that migration involves a major life change, we explore this transition qualitatively focusing specifically on social connectedness and adjustment. METHODS: In semi-structured interviews with 29 older migrants in Australia, we examined participants' experiences of migration and perceptions of identity and identity change. We also considered in more detail experiences of the most and least socially isolated individuals to understand adjustment trajectories. RESULTS: We found evidence supporting the key processes described in SIMIC (relating to social identity continuity, social identity gain, and perceived identity compatibility), suggesting that where adjustment was positive it was experienced as a process of successfully adapting to identity change. CONCLUSION: We emphasise the importance of identity resources as substantial and concrete assets that can enhance the well-being among older adults aging in a foreign land.

Percepção de amabilidade e hostilidade para com estrangeiros: um estudo qualitativo / Perception of friendliness and hostility to foreigners: a qualitative study

O estudo analisa a percepção dos imigrantes sobre a sua experiência no Brasil com base em 11 relatos, obtidos mediante apresentação de duas mesas redondas e entrevistas individuais durante um Seminário. Utilizou-se do procedimento de análise de conteúdo temática com o auxílio do software de análise qualitativa ATLAS.ti. As categorias temáticas de análise foram: emoções negativas e positivas de brasileiros para com imigrantes; manifestações comportamentais de amabilidade ou hostilidade para com o imigrante; experiências positivas ou negativas no Brasil. Os achados reúnem evidências da presença de emoções intergrupais positivas e comportamentos positivos, mas também de emoções e comportamentos negativos dos brasileiros para com os estrangeiros. Esta ambiguidade coloca em xeque a crença compartilhada de que o Brasil é um país hospitaleiro. (AU)

This study analyzing immigrants' perception on their experiences in Brazil based on 11 different reports, gathered from two round tables and the personal interviews obtained during a Seminar. A thematic analysis was used with the support of a software of qualitative data analysis ATLAS.ti. The thematic categories of analyses were the negative and positive Brazilian emotions towards immigrants; behavioral manifestations of friendliness and hostility, and negative and positive experiences in Brazil. The results show the presence of intergroup positive emotions and positive behaviors, but also Brazilian negative behaviors and emotions towards immigrants. This ambiguity call into question the shared belief about Brazil as a hospitable country. (AU)