Migrant health situation when detained in European immigration detention centres: a synthesis of extant qualitative literature.
Int J Prison Health
; 16(3): 221-236, 2020 06 01.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33634662
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
Many migrants are detained in Europe not because they have committed a crime but because of lack of certainty over their immigration status. Although generally in good physical health on entry to Europe, migrant detainees have complex health needs, often related to mental health. Very little is known about the current health situation and health care needs of migrants when detained in European immigration detention settings. The review aims to synthesize the qualitative literature available on this issue from the perspectives of staff and migrants. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH:
The authors undertook a synthesis of extant qualitative literature on migrant health experience and health situation when detained in European immigration detention settings; retrieved as part of a large-scale scoping review. Included records (n = 4) from Sweden and the UK representing both detainee and staff experiences were charted, synthesised and thematically analysed.FINDINGS:
Three themes emerged from the analysis, namely, conditions in immigration detention settings, uncertainties and communication barriers and considerations of migrant detainee health. Conditions were described as inhumane, resembling prison and underpinned by communication difficulties, lack of adequate nutrition and responsive health care. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS It is crucial that the experiences underpinning migration are understood to respond to the health needs of migrants, uphold their health rights and to ensure equitable access to health care in immigration detention settings. ORIGINALITY/VALUE There is a dearth of qualitative research in this area because of the difficulty of access to immigration detention settings for migrants. The authors highlight the critical need for further investigation of migrant health needs, so as to inform appropriate staff support and health service responses.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Transients and Migrants
Type of study:
Qualitative_research
Aspects:
Equity_inequality
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Int J Prison Health
Journal subject:
SAUDE PUBLICA
Year:
2020
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United kingdom