Post-Migration Challenges among Bhutanese-Nepali Refugees in Columbus, Ohio
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Date
2019-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Background/Purpose: Over 15,000 Bhutanese-Nepali refugees have resettled in Columbus, Ohio since 2008. The majority of research on this community has focused on mental health and the suicide rate among the Bhutanese. However, there is little known about their social support and family resources status, and the post-migration living difficulties (PMLD) they face after resettlement.
Methods: Bilingual Nepali-speaking interviewers conducted a community needs assessment with Bhutanese-Nepali women and men, aged 18 years and older living in Columbus, OH. The questionnaire included topics of healthcare practices, cancer knowledge and screening behavior, mental health issues and preferences for mental health services, social support, family resources, and barriers to health/social services and resources. For the purpose of this study, secondary data analysis examined PMLD, social support, and family resources. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, t-test) were conducted using SPSS ver. 24.
Results: A total of 201 participants were surveyed. More than half were men (51.7%) and 53.7% were between the ages of 25-44 years. More than 75% were on Medicare/Medicaid, 43.1% have a total family income of less than $15,000, and while over 50% are employed full-time, almost 35% are not working. The most commonly reported PMLD was communication/language difficulties with 54.2% of participants reporting a somewhat to a serious problem. Secondly, 39% of participants reported being unable to find work and insufficient government help with welfare a somewhat to a serious problem. Regarding family resources, there is a significant difference between men and women in terms of monetary resources, t(197)= 1.12, p= 0.019. There is also a significant difference in perceived social support between men and women, t(197)= 1.30, p= 0.003.
Conclusions: Results from this study provides greater insight into the cultural and linguistic needs of Bhutanese-Nepali refugees who have recently resettled in Columbus. Language and communication is a major barrier to finding employment and resources. Despite these challenges, participants reported that they have strong social support, which may ease some of the burdens of resettlement. Future studies may want to examine ways to help maintain strong social networks in refugee communities to eliminate post-migration challenges.