Citation

Cohen S, Asgary R. Fam. Community Health 2016; 39(2): 75-81.

Affiliation

Departments of Population Health and Medicine (Dr Asgary), Department of Internal Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York (Dr Cohen).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/FCH.0000000000000096

PMID

26882410

Abstract

We conducted 10 focus groups (n = 49) with community members and key informant interviews (n = 28) to explore hardships and community coping strategies for sequelae of abuse among Burmese refugees/migrants in Thailand. Transcripts were coded and analyzed for major themes. In Burma, they universally experienced human rights violations and economic hardship. Hardships continued in Thailand through exploitation and threat of deportation. Coping was achieved through both personal and community-based mechanisms including self-reflection, sharing experiences, spirituality, and serving their community. Western psychosocial counseling, although available, was used infrequently. Effective psychosocial support often originates from the community and should be supported by international organizations.

Language: en