Refugee Family Health Brokers’ (FHBs’) Experiences with Health Care Providers: A Thematic Analysis

Abstract

Background. The resettlement and post-resettlement quality of life of refugees is often marred by chronic health/mental health conditions. To adequately care for refugees suffering these conditions, a promising strategy is the use of refugee Family Health Brokers (FHBs). FHBs are safe and trusted family members functioning as intermediaries between one’s family and health care providers. Although FHBs are known to positively influence health care utilization in their families, little is known about them and this aspect of their family caregiving role and experiences, particularly with health care providers, necessitating further research. Methods. Fourteen Bhutanese and three Bosnian refugee FHBs participated in a 2-hr focus group discussing their experiences with health care providers after being surveyed about their FHB role. Results. Thematic analysis yielded five themes centered around perceptions, knowledge, communication, behavior, and responsibilities reflective of FHBs’ experiences, which can be understood as symptoms of existing structural inequalities. Conclusions. FHBs primarily conveyed problems, struggles, and dilemmas they experienced more so than rewarding aspects of being an FHB. Suggestions are provided on how to avert these negative experiences from occurring and becoming barriers to developing allyship with FHBs in the context of existing structural inequalities.