Post‐migration psychosocial experiences and challenges amongst LGBTQ+ forced migrants: A meta‐synthesis of qualitative reports

• Published in: Journal of advanced nursing Vol. 79; no. 1; pp. 358 - 371
• Main Authors: Gottvall, Maria, Brunell, Calle, Eldebo, Anna, Johansson Metso, Frida, Jirwe, Maria, Carlsson, Tommy
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-01-2023; John Wiley and Sons Inc
• Subjects: and queer (LGBTQ+); bisexual; Challenges; Content analysis; Female; forced migrants; gay; Humans; Identity formation; Immigrants; lesbian; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+); LGBTQ people; Living conditions; Medical screening; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; meta-synthesis; Midwifery; Migrants; Migration; Original Research: Empirical Research ‐ Qualitative; Pregnancy; Psychological distress; Psychology; Psychosocial factors; psychosocial health; Psychosocial support; psychosocial support systems; Psykologi; public health nursing; Qualitative Research; Refugees; Relocation; Research Papers; Resilience; review; Sexual and Gender Minorities; sexual health; Sexual orientation discrimination; Social relations; Transients and Migrants; sexual health; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+); refugees; psychosocial support systems; review; public health nursing; meta-synthesis; forced migrants; sexual and gender minorities; psychosocial health
• ISSN: 0309-2402; 1365-2648; 1365-2648
• DOI: 10.1111/jan.15480

Aims
Synthesize qualitative research to illuminate the post‐migration psychosocial experiences amongst LGBTQ+ forced migrants.
Design
Meta‐synthesis of qualitative reports.
Data sources
Systematic searches in seven databases and manual screenings were performed in July 2021 (21,049 entries screened in total). The final sample included 29 English‐language reports containing empirical qualitative findings about post‐migration experiences and published 10 years prior to the searches, based on migrants as the primary source.
Review Methods
Methodological quality was appraised using the CASP and JBI checklists. Through a collaborative process involving nurse‐midwife researchers and experienced clinical professionals, reports were analysed with a two‐stage qualitative meta‐synthesis including an inductive qualitative content analysis.
Results
The methodological quality was high and the reports included 636 participants in total. Two themes were identified through the meta‐synthesis. The first theme illustrates the psychological distress and numerous challenges and stressors forced migrants face after arrival, including challenges encountered as an LGBTQ+ forced migrant, psychological reactions and manifestations, and practical issues related to resettlement and living conditions. The second theme highlights the resilience and strength they find through various internal processes and external resources, including resilience and strengthening resources, identity formation and establishing and maintaining social relationships.
Conclusion
After arrival in the host country, forced migrants identifying as LGBTQ+ face numerous societal and personal challenges whilst being at risk of experiencing significant psychological distress. These migrants utilize a wide range of resources that may strengthen their resilience. Peer support stands out as a highly appreciated and promising resource that needs further attention in experimental research.
Impact
Forced migrants identifying as LGBTQ+ need access to adequate and sufficient support. The findings emphasize several strength‐building resources that may inform nurses, midwives, researchers and other professionals when providing psychosocial support for these persons.
Patient or Public Contribution
No patient or public contribution.