Implementation for Inclusion: Migrant Health Research

Studies in this domain involves two Phd-projects that integrate interdisciplinary expertise to explore and address the complex health challenges experienced by displaced populations, including refugees, asylum seekers, and other migrants.

With a strong emphasis on primary care, our work focuses on evaluating and improving interventions that aim to support this population’s health and well-being. Key areas include mental health screening and care, access to healthcare services, quality of care, and health outcomes. We employ a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of user needs, including both patients and primary health care staff, barriers, and effective strategies, contributing to evidence-based improvements in health care for migrants.

Ongoing studies

Differences in health care use in refugee populations

Currently, we are working on a registry using Psychiatry Sweden (PS) study that looks at differences in mental health and healthcare use between two groups of refugees—those who arrived as asylum seekers and those who came through resettlement programs in Region Stockholm.

Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Care for Migrant Children

This PhD-project is part of the EPICCs program TINA. Children with a migrant background face a higher risk of adverse mental health outcomes, yet their use of mental health services remains disproportionately low. In Sweden, while services are available, a significant gap persists between need and access.

We are currently evaluating a community-based intervention designed to address known barriers to mental health care. The initiative includes two components:

Health communication to parents to improve mental health literacy and awareness of available services.
Training for professionals to enhance structural competence regarding the specific needs and barriers faced by migrant families

Funding: Tidig insatser vid psykisk ohälsa- Hur kan barriärer till vård överbryggas för nyanlända barn och unga? - VR (Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Care for Migrant Children)