Exploration of Health Care Needs Among Sudanese Refugee Women

Abstract

Many Sudanese refugees that have resettled in the United States have experienced severe trauma and loss during their migration, as well as physical, social, and psychological struggles in their continued adaptation to living in a new country. This study explored the healthcare needs of Sudanese women as they transition to living in the United States. Community-Based Collaborative Action Research (CBCAR) provided a framework for the study. Qualitative descriptive design using focus groups was utilized to explore the healthcare needs of Sudanese Women. Eighteen women participated in the study, which consisted of five educational sessions that were immediately followed by five audio-taped focus groups. The educational seminars presented topics such as parenting skills, preventative health practices, childhood illnesses, and emotional well-being. Focus groups allowed for a confidential setting in which women were able to reflect on the information presented, as well as verbalize topics that they would like to receive more education on in the future. Three themes were identified that reflected experience of Sudanese women. These included being pulled between two worldviews in ways of parenting and communicating with children, multiple difficulties maneuvering within the US health care system, and internal struggles in meeting emotional needs in their transition to living in the United States. This study may contribute to the empowerment of Sudanese women by providing them with a greater understanding and ability to maneuver within the US healthcare system. This partnering interchange may also increase nursing knowledge in offering culturally competent care to the Sudanese community and other refugee populations that have resettled in the United States.