Structural inequalities and health in special populations: Immigrant, refugee, and asylee women

Global displacement and forced migration are at the highest levels in recorded history with a continued growth in migrant and displaced populations. Social determinants of health in the home country as well as in the resettlement country have important implications for health outcomes for immigrant and refugee populations. In this chapter, we describe some of the urgent health needs of immigrants and refugees. Through a scoping review, we completed in preparation for this chapter, we highlight how migratory status correlates with social determinants of health with a focus on healthcare access, health literacy, and experiences of discrimination and violence in the lives of immigrants and refugees. Our findings and discussion provide healthcare providers with important knowledge about the healthcare needs of immigrants and refugees and also important policy considerations for this population.