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The Health Experiences of Young Internal Migrants in Ghana—Identifying Priorities for Sustainable Health Promotion

Author

Listed:
  • Grace Spencer

    (Faculty of Health, Education Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK)

  • Ernestina Dankyi

    (Centre for Social Policy Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra LG 1181, Ghana)

  • Jill Thompson

    (Health Sciences School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK)

  • Faye Acton

    (Faculty of Health, Education Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK)

  • Stephen Owusu Kwankye

    (Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, Legon LG 1181, Ghana)

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals underscore the importance of migration to the achievement of health, and global migration presents both opportunities and challenges for the development of health promotion. Despite such recognition, very little work has focused on health promotion with young migrants, including how migration shapes opportunities for positive health. This paper reports findings from a qualitative study that sought to advance knowledge of the health experiences of young internal migrants in Ghana ( n = 14) and considers ways to harness these perspectives in the development of sustainable health promotion solutions. Methods included community consultations, participatory workshops and interviews with young migrants aged 14–21 years. Findings highlighted how the social determinants of health affected young migrants’ opportunities to support their health. Our analysis highlights how a lack of access to adequate food, shelter and health services often resulted in the adoption of alternative health practices, including the use of herbal remedies. Supporting positive livelihoods as part of tackling the social determinants of health is crucial to mitigate the impacts of poverty and inequalities on young migrants’ health practices and outcomes. We conclude by considering how to advance relevant health promotion with young migrants living in contexts of vulnerability.

Suggested Citation

  • Grace Spencer & Ernestina Dankyi & Jill Thompson & Faye Acton & Stephen Owusu Kwankye, 2022. "The Health Experiences of Young Internal Migrants in Ghana—Identifying Priorities for Sustainable Health Promotion," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-14, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:22:p:15229-:d:976524
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Philip Dalinjong & Alexander Laar, 2012. "The national health insurance scheme: perceptions and experiences of health care providers and clients in two districts of Ghana," Health Economics Review, Springer, vol. 2(1), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Glenn Laverack, 2018. "The Challenge of Promoting the Health of Refugees and Migrants in Europe: A Review of the Literature and Urgent Policy Options," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-12, August.
    3. Richard Serbeh & Prince Osei-Wusu Adjei, 2020. "Social Networks and the Geographies of Young People’s Migration: Evidence from Independent Child Migration in Ghana," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 221-240, March.
    4. United Nations UN, 2015. "Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," Working Papers id:7559, eSocialSciences.
    5. Sunmin Lee & Allison H O’Neill & Emily S Ihara & David H Chae, 2013. "Change in Self-Reported Health Status among Immigrants in the United States: Associations with Measures of Acculturation," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(10), pages 1-1, October.
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