An investigation into the association of pre- and post-migration experiences on the self-rated health status among new resettled adult humanitarian refugees to Australia: a protocol for a mixed methods study

BACKGROUND: Refugees are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society. They are at risk of poor physical and mental health outcomes, much of this attributed to traumatic events prior to migration and the additional risk factors refugees face in the host nations. However, how migration factors shape the health of resettling refugees is not well understood. This study uses a mixed methods approach to examine how pre- and post-migration factors shape the self-rated health of resettling adult refugees in an effort to address the current knowledge gap. METHODS: This study will use a sequential explanatory mixed method study design. We begin by analyzing resettlement and health data from the ‘Building a New Life In Australia’ longitudinal study of humanitarian refugees resettled in Australia to identify significant associations between migration factors and refugee health. Then, a series of semi-structured interviews with resettled refugees will further explore the lived experiences of refugees with respect to the relationship between migration and refugee health. Finally, we will integrate both sets of findings to develop a detailed understanding of how and why migratory factors contribute to refugee health during resettlement. DISCUSSION: There is a paucity of studies that examine the multidimensional nature of refugee health during resettlement and as a result, little is understood about their resettlement health needs. This information is required to inform existing or new resettlement interventions to help promote or improve refugee health. To overcome these limitations in the research knowledge, this study will use a mixture of study methods to illustrate the complex and multifaceted determinants of refugee health during resettlement in Australia.