Notes
Key populations: Ghanian immigrants who now live in Calgary, AB
Integration timeline: the first 5-10 years post-arrival
Community organizations: n/a
Key findings:
The central theme of the findings was, “Not the land of milk and honey.” Themes and sub-themes were:
1) Looking for a lifeline
a) Leaning on family, friends and community
b) Turning to God
c) Self-medicating stress
2) How do I fit in here?
a) Shifting gender expectations and norms
b) Technological connection and disconnection
c) Experiencing racism and discrimination in their new home
d) Economic marginalization
e) Transportation barriers
3) Navigating a new health system
a) Learning new spaces
4) Intersecting pathways to healthcare choices
a) Traditional/cultural pathways
b) Western pathways
c) Spiritual pathways
Future research / gaps identified:
Qualitative findings from a small sample of participants, specifically to the Calgary context, cannot be generalized to the broader community of Ghanian immigrants.