ABSTRACT
Background: Migrant women with young children, including asylum seekers and refugees, have multiple vulnerability factors that put them at increased risk of social isolation and loneliness, which are associated with negative health outcomes. This study explored the experiences of social isolation and loneliness among migrant mothers with children aged 0-5 years as well as their perceptions on possible health impacts. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted at La Maison Bleue, a non-profit organization providing perinatal health and social services to vulnerable women in Montreal, Canada. Recruitment and data collection occurred concurrently during the COVID-19 pandemic, between November and December 2020. Eleven women participated in individual semi-structured interviews and provided socio-demographic information. Interview data were thematically analyzed. Results: Migrant women in this study described social isolation as the loss of family support and of their familiar social/cultural networks, and loneliness as the feelings of aloneness that stemmed from being a mother in a new country with limited support. Multiple factors contributed to women's and children's social isolation and loneliness, including migration status, socioeconomic circumstances, language barriers, and being a single mother. Women expressed that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated pre-existing experiences of social isolation and loneliness. Mothers' experiences affected their emotional and mental health, while for children, it reduced their social opportunities outside the home, especially if not attending childcare. However, the extent to which mothers' experiences of social isolation and loneliness influenced the health and development of their children, was less clear. Conclusion: Migrant mothers' experiences of social isolation and loneliness are intricately linked to their status as migrants and mothers. Going forward, it is critical to better document pandemic and post-pandemic consequences of social isolation and loneliness on young children of migrant families. Supportive interventions for migrant mothers and their young children should not only target social isolation but should also consider mothers' feelings of loneliness and foster social connectedness and belongingness. To address social isolation and loneliness, interventions at the individual, community and policy levels are needed.
ABSTRACT
In 2019, 30,615 asylum claims were made in Quebec, representing almost half of the claims made in Canada. Asylum-seeking families with young children (0 to 5 years) represent a significant proportion of this population. Canada, as well as Quebec, have a responsibility to protect asylum seekers and to ensure that public policies promote health and well-being, especially among children. However, certain existing public policies exclude asylum seekers and are negatively affecting families. This commentary seeks to raise awareness among all those involved in policymaking, especially decision-makers, regarding asylum-seekers and three policy domains that are contributing to poverty, social isolation, and reduced access to care among asylum-seeking families with young children. These include the lack of eligibility for child benefits, the limited access to affordable daycare, and barriers to accessing family doctors. Consequently, both parents and children suffer impacts to their health and well-being. We are calling on our governments to assume their responsibilities and eliminate these inequities, and to ensure that the health of asylum seekers is considered in all policies.
RéSUMé: En 2019, 30 615 demandes d'asile ont été traitées au Québec, ce qui représente presque la moitié des demandes au Canada. Les familles avec des enfants de 0 à 5 ans représentent un pourcentage important de cette population. Le Canada ainsi que le Québec ont l'obligation de protéger les demandeurs d'asile et d'assurer que les politiques publiques soient favorables à la santé, surtout chez les enfants. Toutefois, certaines politiques publiques actuelles excluent les demandeurs d'asile et affectent négativement les familles. Ce commentaire vise à sensibiliser l'ensemble des acteurs impliqués dans l'élaboration des politiques publiques, surtout les décideurs politiques, sur des enjeux concernant trois domaines de politiques publiques qui contribuent à l'isolement social, à l'appauvrissement et à un accès réduit aux services de soins pour les familles demandeuses d'asile avec de jeunes enfants. Ceux-ci incluent la non-éligibilité aux allocations familiales, l'accès difficile aux garderies à prix abordables et les difficultés à obtenir des services d'un médecin de famille. En conséquence, les parents et les enfants subissent des impacts sur leur santé et leur bien-être. Nous demandons à nos gouvernements d'assumer leurs responsabilités et d'éliminer ces inégalités, et d'assurer que la santé des demandeurs d'asile soit prise en compte dans toutes les politiques.
Subject(s)
Family , Public Policy , Refugees , Child, Preschool , Health Promotion , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Policy Making , QuebecABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: La Maison Bleue is a community-based perinatal health and social centre in Montreal that provides services during pregnancy up to age five to families living in vulnerable contexts. The study aimed to describe: 1) the challenges and protective factors that affect the well-being of migrant families receiving care at La Maison Bleue; and 2) how La Maison Bleue strengthens resilience among these families. METHODS: We conducted a focused ethnography. Immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants were invited to participate. We collected data from November to December 2017 via semi-structured interviews and participant observation during group activities at La Maison Bleue. Data were thematically analysed. RESULTS: Twenty-four mothers participated (9 interviewed, 17 observed). Challenges to well-being included family separation, isolation, loss of support, the immigration process, an unfamiliar culture and environment, and language barriers. Key protective factors were women's intrinsic drive to overcome difficulties, their positive outlook and ability to find meaning in their adversity, their faith, culture and traditions, and supportive relationships, both locally and transnationally. La Maison Bleue strengthened resilience by providing a safe space, offering holistic care that responded to both medical and psychosocial needs, and empowering women to achieve their full potential towards better health for themselves and their families. CONCLUSION: Migrant mothers have many strengths and centres like La Maison Bleue can offer a safe space and be an empowering community resource to assist mothers in overcoming the multiple challenges that they face while resettling and raising their young children in a new country.
