Participation in everyday occupations among Rohingya refugees in Bangladeshi refugee camps

Research Objectives: This research explores how the Rohingya refugees experience participation in everyday occupations while living in temporary refugee camps in Bangladesh.

Design: A phenomenological study was conducted to describe, understand, and interpret the meanings of experiences of human life in particularly adverse conditions. Fifteen adults were purposively selected to participate in an in-depth semi-structured interview and participant observations. Researchers used line-by-line data analysis for capturing quotations and patterns using the strategy of interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Setting: Bangladesh

Participants: Rohingya Refugees

Interventions: No

Main Outcome Measures: Qualitative

Results: The research identified three major themes: 1) mental health conditions impacted the ability to participate fully in daily activities, 2) complex relationships and limited social roles decreased occupational engagement, and 3) involvement in precarious occupations exacerbated severe health risks. Six sub-themes were identified: a) past incidents destroying peaceful sleep, b) adjusting to inconsistent daily activities, c) fragmented family relationships, d) forming new relationships to perform social roles, e) inconvenient and inaccessible living conditions, and f) continuing unlawful work to survive.

Conclusions: Conclusion and Relevance: Rohingya refugees should receive comprehensive health and rehabilitative care because of their perilous mental health conditions, precarious occupations, and lack of trustworthy relationships with family and neighbors. Peer-led support may help the refugees participate in occupation-based rehabilitation services that may facilitate their social integration.

Author(s) Disclosures: This research doesn't have any conflict of interest.