Very few studies conceptualize place explicitly in relation to refugee mental health.
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Five place-specific key themes have been identified in the current research.
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Intersecting material, social and policy characteristics of place are relevant for refugee mental health.
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Place must play more central role in research and understanding of refugee mental health.
Abstract
Post-migration factors significantly influence refugee mental health. This scoping review looks at the role of place in refugee mental health. We included 34 studies in Global North high-income countries that elaborated on the place characteristics of facilities, neighbourhoods, urban and rural areas, and countries. While the role of place remains under-theorised, all studies reveal common characteristics that support a strong relationship between place of residence, refugee mental health and wellbeing outcomes in post-migration context. Given that refugees often have little or no choice of where they ultimately live, we suggest future research should focus on how characteristics of place co-constitute post-migration refugee mental health risks, protections, and outcomes.