Challenges and Approaches to Newcomer Health Research

Abstract

Newcomers include immigrants, refugees, or asylum seekers. Approaches to research in newcomer populations include consideration of the insider–outsider status of the researcher(s), sample selection and recruitment strategies, and attention to language barriers. Potential research participants need to be identified, approached, and made to feel safe before, during, and after participation in research. Interpersonal relationships need to be negotiated with awareness of potential power imbalances, institutional discrimination, and trauma associated with premigration, migration, and settlement experiences. Embedded within these approaches should be awareness of the need to ensure the cultural safety of research participants through implementation of culturally competent research strategies.