Research Library

Research on immigrant and refugee vaccination uptake in Canada shows that immunization decisions vary by vaccine type, location, age and migration status. Despite their diversity, these studies often treat immigrant and refugee populations as a single group relative to other Canadians. In this comparative study, we explored how previous risk communication and immunization experiences influence immunization decisions by immigrant and refugee women from three communities across Canada. Participants included women from the Punjabi immigrant community located in Surrey and Abbotsford, British Columbia (n = 36), the Nigerian immigrant community located in Winnipeg, Manitoba (n = 43), and the Congolese refugee community in Edmonton, Alberta (n = 18). Using focus groups, we sought to understand immunization experiences in Canada and before arrival, and what information sources influenced the immunization decision-making process by the women in the three communities. Given our participants’ different communication preferences and needs, we argue that a one-size-fits-all communication approach is inappropriate for immigrant and refugee populations. Research on immigrant and refugee vaccination uptake in Canada shows that immunization decisions vary by vaccine type, location, age and migration status. Despite their diversity, these studies often treat immigrant and refugee populations as a single group relative to other Canadians. In this comparative study, we explored how previous risk communication and immunization experiences influence immunization decisions by immigrant and refugee women from three communities across Canada. Participants included women from the Punjabi immigrant community located in Surrey and Abbotsford, British Columbia (n = 36), the Nigerian immigrant community located in Winnipeg, Manitoba (n = 43), and the Congolese refugee community in Edmonton, Alberta (n = 18). Using focus groups, we sought to understand immunization experiences in Canada and before arrival, and what information sources influenced the immunization decision-making process by the women in the three communities. Given our participants’ different communication preferences and needs, we argue that a one-size-fits-all communication approach is inappropriate for immigrant and refugee populations.
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Last year, Alberta launched a temporary 1 year driver’s license exchange program for Ukrainian refugees with a Ukrainian Category B or BE driver’s license. The goal of the program was to help refugees find and access employment and care for their families. As of April 18, 2024, this program is now permanent. Last year, Alberta launched a temporary 1 year driver’s license exchange program for Ukrainian refugees with a Ukrainian Category B or BE driver’s license. The goal of the program was to help refugees find and access employment and care for their families. As of April 18, 2024, this program is now permanent.
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The World Health Organization stresses the need for tailored COVID-19 models of vaccination to meet the needs of diverse populations and ultimately reach high rates of vaccination. However, little evidence exists on how COVID-19 models of vaccination operated in the novel context of the pandemic, how vulnerable populations, such as refugees, experience COVID-19 vaccination systems in high-income countries, and what lessons may be learned from vaccination efforts with vulnerable populations. To address this gap, this study explored COVID-19 vaccine delivery models available to newcomer refugees and immigrants, and refugee experiences across diferent COVID-19 vaccine delivery models in Calgary, Canada, and surrounding area in 2021 and 2022, to understand the barriers, strengths, and strategies of models to support access to COVID-19 vaccination for newcomer refugees and immigrants. Structured interviews with Government Assisted Refugees (n=39), and semistructured interviews with Privately Sponsored Refugees (n=6), private refugee sponsors (n=3), and stakeholders involved in vaccination systems (n=13) were conducted in 2022. Thematic analysis was conducted to draw out themes related to barriers, strengths, and strategies of vaccine delivery models and the intersections with patient experiences. Newcomer refugee and immigrant focused vaccination models and strategies were explored. They demonstrated how partnerships between organizations, multi-pronged approaches, and culturally responsive services were crucial to navigate ongoing and emergent factors, such as vaccine hesitancy, mandates, and other determinants of under-vaccination. Many vaccination models presented through interviews were not specific to refugees and included immigrants, temporary residents, ethnocultural community members, and other vulnerable populations in their design. Increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake for newcomer refugees and immigrants, is complex and requires trust, ongoing information provision, and local partnerships to address ongoing and emerging factors. Three key policy implications were drawn. The World Health Organization stresses the need for tailored COVID-19 models of vaccination to meet the needs of diverse populations and ultimately reach high rates of vaccination. However, little evidence exists on how COVID-19 models of vaccination operated in the novel context of the pandemic, how vulnerable populations, such as refugees, experience COVID-19 vaccination systems in high-income countries, and what lessons may be learned from vaccination efforts with vulnerable populations. To address this gap, this study explored COVID-19 vaccine delivery models available to newcomer refugees and immigrants, and refugee experiences across diferent COVID-19 vaccine delivery models in Calgary, Canada, and surrounding area in 2021 and 2022, to understand the barriers, strengths, and strategies of models to support access to COVID-19 vaccination for newcomer refugees and immigrants. Structured interviews with Government Assisted Refugees (n=39), and semistructured interviews with Privately Sponsored Refugees (n=6), private refugee sponsors (n=3), and stakeholders involved in vaccination systems (n=13) were conducted in 2022. Thematic analysis was conducted to draw out themes related to barriers, strengths, and strategies of vaccine delivery models and the intersections with patient experiences. Newcomer refugee and immigrant focused vaccination models and strategies were explored. They demonstrated how partnerships between organizations, multi-pronged approaches, and culturally responsive services were crucial to navigate ongoing and emergent factors, such as vaccine hesitancy, mandates, and other determinants of under-vaccination. Many vaccination models presented through interviews were not specific to refugees and included immigrants, temporary residents, ethnocultural community members, and other vulnerable populations in their design. Increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake for newcomer refugees and immigrants, is complex and requires trust, ongoing information provision, and local partnerships to address ongoing and emerging factors. Three key policy implications were drawn.
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Refugee decisions to vaccinate for COVID-19 are a complex interplay of factors which include individual perceptions, access barriers, trust, and COVID-19 specific factors, which contribute to lower vaccine uptake. To address this, the WHO calls for localized solutions to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake for refugees and evidence to inform future vaccination efforts. However, limited evidence engages directly with refugees about their experiences with COVID-19 vaccinations. To address this gap, researchers conducted qualitative interviews (N = 61) with refugees (n = 45), sponsors of refugees (n = 3), and key informants (n = 13) connected to local COVID-19 vaccination efforts for refugees in Calgary. Thematic analysis was conducted to synthesize themes related to vaccine perspectives, vaccination experiences, and patient intersections with policies and systems. Findings reveal that refugees benefit from ample services that are delivered at various stages, that are not solely related to vaccinations, and which create multiple positive touch points with health and immigration systems. This builds trust and vaccine confidence and promotes COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Despite multiple factors affecting vaccination decisions, a key reason for vaccination was timely and credible information delivered through trusted intermediaries and in an environment that addressed refugee needs and concerns. As refugees placed trust and relationships at the core of decision-making and vaccination, it is recommended that healthcare systems work through trust and relationships to reach refugees. This can be targeted through culturally responsive healthcare delivery that meets patients where they are, including barrier reduction measures such as translation and on-site vaccinations, and educational and outreach partnerships with private groups, community organizations and leaders. Refugee decisions to vaccinate for COVID-19 are a complex interplay of factors which include individual perceptions, access barriers, trust, and COVID-19 specific factors, which contribute to lower vaccine uptake. To address this, the WHO calls for localized solutions to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake for refugees and evidence to inform future vaccination efforts. However, limited evidence engages directly with refugees about their experiences with COVID-19 vaccinations. To address this gap, researchers conducted qualitative interviews (N = 61) with refugees (n = 45), sponsors of refugees (n = 3), and key informants (n = 13) connected to local COVID-19 vaccination efforts for refugees in Calgary. Thematic analysis was conducted to synthesize themes related to vaccine perspectives, vaccination experiences, and patient intersections with policies and systems. Findings reveal that refugees benefit from ample services that are delivered at various stages, that are not solely related to vaccinations, and which create multiple positive touch points with health and immigration systems. This builds trust and vaccine confidence and promotes COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Despite multiple factors affecting vaccination decisions, a key reason for vaccination was timely and credible information delivered through trusted intermediaries and in an environment that addressed refugee needs and concerns. As refugees placed trust and relationships at the core of decision-making and vaccination, it is recommended that healthcare systems work through trust and relationships to reach refugees. This can be targeted through culturally responsive healthcare delivery that meets patients where they are, including barrier reduction measures such as translation and on-site vaccinations, and educational and outreach partnerships with private groups, community organizations and leaders.
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This evaluation plan provides a basic framework and steps for assessing the new immigrant service programs conducted at ASSIST Community Services Center and AHC (Action for Healthy Community) in Edmonton. It includes important and typical indicators as examples. The plan primarily applies the Impact Evaluation Process theory (Guerra-López & Toker, 2007) and a program logic model to design and plan the evaluation. The goal is to conduct these assessment steps to provide applicable suggestions or updates for these programs. This will help improve new immigrant settlement programs, enabling them to better address existing and upcoming challenges and optimize their outcomes as expected. This evaluation plan provides a basic framework and steps for assessing the new immigrant service programs conducted at ASSIST Community Services Center and AHC (Action for Healthy Community) in Edmonton. It includes important and typical indicators as examples. The plan primarily applies the Impact Evaluation Process theory (Guerra-López & Toker, 2007) and a program logic model to design and plan the evaluation. The goal is to conduct these assessment steps to provide applicable suggestions or updates for these programs. This will help improve new immigrant settlement programs, enabling them to better address existing and upcoming challenges and optimize their outcomes as expected.
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Due to the ongoing conflict in Syria, approximately 50,000 Syrian refugees arrived in Canada between 2015 and 2020. Upon arrival, Syrians needed to find housing, employment, healthcare, and language training. They also had to address psychosocial needs, such as cultivating social supports and establishing a sense of safety, which are critical for mitigating trauma and stress related to resettlement. In March 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic was declared, and disproportionately impacted refugees by compounding pre-existing and systemic health, social, and economic inequities. Refugees are identified as particularly vulnerable during the pandemic due to the precarious working, living, economic, and health conditions they often face. Only three Canadian studies to date have explored Syrian refugee experiences during COVID-19: one used quantitative methods, the other focused on postnatal women, and one explored housing stability. Therefore, there is a dearth of qualitative information regarding how Syrian refugees in Canada have been impacted by the pandemic, especially regarding their psychosocial adaptation during this period. This study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for Syrian refugees in Canada and identified supports needed, from the perspectives of Syrian refugees themselves. This study is embedded within a broader community-based participatory research project investigating psychosocial adaptation with the Syrian refugee community and used qualitative description and thematic analysis to examine semi-structured interviews conducted with 10 Syrian refugees. Due to the ongoing conflict in Syria, approximately 50,000 Syrian refugees arrived in Canada between 2015 and 2020. Upon arrival, Syrians needed to find housing, employment, healthcare, and language training. They also had to address psychosocial needs, such as cultivating social supports and establishing a sense of safety, which are critical for mitigating trauma and stress related to resettlement. In March 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic was declared, and disproportionately impacted refugees by compounding pre-existing and systemic health, social, and economic inequities. Refugees are identified as particularly vulnerable during the pandemic due to the precarious working, living, economic, and health conditions they often face. Only three Canadian studies to date have explored Syrian refugee experiences during COVID-19: one used quantitative methods, the other focused on postnatal women, and one explored housing stability. Therefore, there is a dearth of qualitative information regarding how Syrian refugees in Canada have been impacted by the pandemic, especially regarding their psychosocial adaptation during this period. This study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for Syrian refugees in Canada and identified supports needed, from the perspectives of Syrian refugees themselves. This study is embedded within a broader community-based participatory research project investigating psychosocial adaptation with the Syrian refugee community and used qualitative description and thematic analysis to examine semi-structured interviews conducted with 10 Syrian refugees.
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What can be learned about the healthcare access of undocumented workers? How can health equity be advanced through sensitivity to the process of precaritization and the precarities informing their lives? Thailand and Spain are the only countries in the world that offer the same healthcare access to undocumented migrants as citizens. Most European countries only offer emergency services: France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland allow undocumented migrants to access similar services to citizens if they meet conditions (proof of identity; length of residence in the country). European cities such as Ghent, Frankfurt, and Dusseldorf, offer barrier-free healthcare. Throughout the USA, Federally Qualified Health Centers support care to the uninsured regardless of immigration status. In Canada, Ontario and Quebec, provide a base level of healthcare access to undocumented migrants, and a small number of stand-alone community-based clinics offer additional care and specialized services. To promote healthcare for undocumented migrants in Alberta, barrier-free access to vaccination, COVID-19 treatment, and proof of vaccinations are essential, but an equity lens to healthcare service— informed by analytic understanding and robust approach to precaritization as a social determinant, is most needed. What can be learned about the healthcare access of undocumented workers? How can health equity be advanced through sensitivity to the process of precaritization and the precarities informing their lives? Thailand and Spain are the only countries in the world that offer the same healthcare access to undocumented migrants as citizens. Most European countries only offer emergency services: France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland allow undocumented migrants to access similar services to citizens if they meet conditions (proof of identity; length of residence in the country). European cities such as Ghent, Frankfurt, and Dusseldorf, offer barrier-free healthcare. Throughout the USA, Federally Qualified Health Centers support care to the uninsured regardless of immigration status. In Canada, Ontario and Quebec, provide a base level of healthcare access to undocumented migrants, and a small number of stand-alone community-based clinics offer additional care and specialized services. To promote healthcare for undocumented migrants in Alberta, barrier-free access to vaccination, COVID-19 treatment, and proof of vaccinations are essential, but an equity lens to healthcare service— informed by analytic understanding and robust approach to precaritization as a social determinant, is most needed.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly

The accessibility of domestic violence services for South Asian immigrant women in several Canadian cities (Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal) is examined. There are challenges in seeking help for domestic violence in the South Asian community, which is highly unreported due to its private and personal nature. Main topics discussed are: 1) barriers that prevent South Asian immigrant women from seeking help, and 2) the current gaps in domestic violence services. Recommendations for domestic violence organizations to better address the needs of South Asian immigrant women are also included. The accessibility of domestic violence services for South Asian immigrant women in several Canadian cities (Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal) is examined. There are challenges in seeking help for domestic violence in the South Asian community, which is highly unreported due to its private and personal nature. Main topics discussed are: 1) barriers that prevent South Asian immigrant women from seeking help, and 2) the current gaps in domestic violence services. Recommendations for domestic violence organizations to better address the needs of South Asian immigrant women are also included.
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The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of maternal depression and anxiety among African immigrant women living in Alberta, Canada up to 2 years postpartum. This cross-sectional study surveyed 120 African immigrant women within 2 years of delivery in Alberta, Canada from January 2020 to December 2020. The researchers found that social support and community belonging initiatives may improve the maternal mental health outcomes of African immigrant women. Given the complexities immigrant women face, more research is needed on a comprehensive approach for public health and preventive strategies regarding maternal mental health after migration, including increasing access to family doctors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of maternal depression and anxiety among African immigrant women living in Alberta, Canada up to 2 years postpartum. This cross-sectional study surveyed 120 African immigrant women within 2 years of delivery in Alberta, Canada from January 2020 to December 2020. The researchers found that social support and community belonging initiatives may improve the maternal mental health outcomes of African immigrant women. Given the complexities immigrant women face, more research is needed on a comprehensive approach for public health and preventive strategies regarding maternal mental health after migration, including increasing access to family doctors.
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The purposes of this study were to: 1) identify African immigrant mothers’ views of perinatal mental health and to identify predictors of those views, and 2) identify African immigrant mothers’ views regarding perinatal mental health screening and to determine factors associated with those views. A survey conducted across Alberta (predominantly in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge) showed African immigrant mothers’ knowledge of postnatal mental health is high, but there is less knowledge on prenatal mental health and its effect on child development. There was also high acceptability of universal perinatal mental health screening. The purposes of this study were to: 1) identify African immigrant mothers’ views of perinatal mental health and to identify predictors of those views, and 2) identify African immigrant mothers’ views regarding perinatal mental health screening and to determine factors associated with those views. A survey conducted across Alberta (predominantly in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge) showed African immigrant mothers’ knowledge of postnatal mental health is high, but there is less knowledge on prenatal mental health and its effect on child development. There was also high acceptability of universal perinatal mental health screening.
This publication has no Abstract to dispaly