Community perspectives on substance use among Bhutanese and Iraqi refugees resettled in the United States

ABSTRACT

Premigration trauma and postmigration stressors put refugees at high risk for mental health concerns, including substance use. However, there is limited systematic research on substance use in refugee communities exists. We conducted exploratory qualitative research to examine Bhutanese and Iraqi refugee perspectives related to the use of recreational substances after resettlement in the United States. Data were collected through separate focus groups with 28 Bhutanese and 22 Iraqi adult men. Focus groups were facilitated by an experienced clinician with an in-person interpreter, audiorecorded, and transcribed. Transcripts were checked for accurate translation and then analyzed using a conventional content analysis approach. Findings revealed similarities and differences between the two refugee groups with regard to recognizing excessive use, triggers for use, and preferred modes of outreach and intervention. Findings also revealed postmigration changes in substance use behaviors stemming from issues related to access, cost, and perceived legal ramifications.

KEYWORDS:

• Bhutanese and Iraqi refugees
• mental health
• substance use

Acknowledgments

Our special thanks to our various translators and interpreters and our research assistants Suren Wong and Neha Iqbal.

Notes

Some quotes have been edited for grammar. These quotes were translated to English from participants’ native languages. Some of these quotes, in their original translated form, appeared to be in ‘broken’ English. This is likely a reflection of challenges associated with real-time translation between languages. However, we believe it is unfair to present these quotes in ‘broken’ English, when our own unfamiliarity with the Arabic and Nepali constitutes the problem. Therefore we have chosen to edit quotes for grammar. Edits are indicated by ellipses (…) and box brackets [].

Additional information

Funding

The contents of this paper were developed under a grant from the UIC Chancellor’s Discovery Fund for Multidisciplinary Pilot Research. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the views of the funder.