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Risk and Protective Factors Experienced by Fathers of Refugee Background during the Early Years of Parenting: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Eleanor Bulford

    (Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia)

  • Alison Fogarty

    (Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia)

  • Rebecca Giallo

    (Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia
    Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
    Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong 3216, Australia)

  • Stephanie Brown

    (Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia
    Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
    Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
    South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide 5001, Australia)

  • Josef Szwarc

    (Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc., Brunswick 3056, Australia)

  • Elisha Riggs

    (Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia
    Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia)

Abstract

Fathers of refugee background with young children can experience significant mental health difficulties, with the potential for intergenerational impacts. This study aimed to explore how fathers of refugee background experience risk and protective factors for their own health and wellbeing during the early years of parenting. Semi-structured interviews and one semi-structured focus group were conducted with fathers of refugee background, with young children (0–5 years), who had settled in Australia. Transcribed interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, informed by the socioecological model of health. A total of 21 fathers participated in the study. Risk factors experienced included: prior experiences of trauma, reduced access to family support in Australia, adjustments in parenting roles, and the challenges of learning a new language and securing employment. Fathers drew on a number of sources of strength, including a sense of joy from fatherhood and support from partners, families, and communities. While most fathers regularly accompanied their partners and children to healthcare appointments, they were rarely asked by healthcare professionals about their own needs. Our findings support the idea that there is a need for greater assistance for fathers, particularly for navigating issues arising from the settlement process. Healthcare services working with families of refugee background must adopt a father-inclusive, trauma-informed approach that is responsive to fathers’ needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Eleanor Bulford & Alison Fogarty & Rebecca Giallo & Stephanie Brown & Josef Szwarc & Elisha Riggs, 2022. "Risk and Protective Factors Experienced by Fathers of Refugee Background during the Early Years of Parenting: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:11:p:6940-:d:832549
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dahlgren, Göran & Whitehead, Margaret, 1991. "Policies and strategies to promote social equity in health. Background document to WHO - Strategy paper for Europe," Arbetsrapport 2007:14, Institute for Futures Studies.
    2. Lindert, Jutta & Ehrenstein, Ondine S. von & Priebe, Stefan & Mielck, Andreas & Brähler, Elmar, 2009. "Depression and anxiety in labor migrants and refugees - A systematic review and meta-analysis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 69(2), pages 246-257, July.
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