A systematic scoping review of interventions delivered by peers to support the resettlement of refugees and asylum seekers

Year Published:

Abstract

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic search of the literature as it pertains to interventions delivered by peers to refugees and asylum seekers during the resettlement process.

Design/methodology/approach:

A preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and metaanalysis-compliant scoping review based on Arskey and O’Malley’s (2006) five steps was used. Four databases, Scopus, Embase, Ebsco and ScienceDirect, were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English from 2000 to 2021. Studies were included if they reported on interventions, outcomes or the training received by adult peers to support refugees and asylum seekers during the resettlement process. Of an initial 632 journal articles retrieved, 14 met the inclusion criteria for this review.

Findings:

Most included studies were conducted in Western high-income countries, with the exception of one. Studies were heterogeneous in terms of the nationalities of peers and those receiving peer interventions, the outcomes reported on, the content of interventions and the methodologies used. Findings suggest that peer interventions seem to be effective in addressing many of the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers. Community integration, acculturation and reductions in psychological distress are some of the key benefits. When such interventions are co-produced in participatory research involving refugees, asylum seekers and the civil society organisations that support this population, they are naturally culturally responsive and can, therefore, address issues relative to different ethnic needs during the resettlement process.

Originality/value:

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first scoping review to be conducted in this area and adds to what is a very limited body of research. Keywords Refugee, Asylum seeker, Resettlement, Scoping review, Psychological distress, Peer Paper type Research paper

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

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About this study

AGE: Adults

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Free

HOST COUNTRY: Multiple countries

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: Middle

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: Upper

INTERVENTION DURATION: 18-180 Hours

INTERVENTION: Peer support & mentoring groups

JOURNAL NAME: Mental Health and Social Inclusion

OUTCOME AREA: Peer Support

POPULATION: Refugees

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Multiple Regions

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Strong

TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2022

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