A narrative review of cultural identity and health risks in forced migration

Abstract

Forced migrations driven by conflicts, natural disasters, and persecution severely disrupt cultural identity and exacerbate health vulnerabilities in displaced populations. This narrative review focuses on both physical and mental health outcomes in exploring the intricate relationships between forced migrations, cultural dislocation, and health risks. The study identifies four key themes. First, the aspect of forced migrations and cultural identity highlights the fragmentation of cultural practices and reveals the challenges of identity reconstruction. Second, the facet of forced migration and health vulnerabilities underscores the increased risks of infectious diseases, malnutrition, and mental health disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Third, the interplays of cultural identity and health reveal that the preservation of cultural practices can buffer against negative health influences while cultural losses exacerbate the deterioration of health. Finally, culturally sensitive policies and interventions require healthcare systems to adopt culturally competent approaches that can address the unique challenges confronting forced migrants. The review concludes by identifying gaps in the literature, including the need for additional research on long-term health outcomes and the effectiveness of culturally sensitive interventions. This study delivers valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare providers seeking to improve the well-being of displaced populations through culturally responsive care.

Keywords

Conflict / Culture / Displacement / Forced migration / Mortality / Vulnerabilities

Funding

None.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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