Title: Health disparities among Burmese diaspora: An integrative review

Abstract

Tens of thousands of displaced Burmese ethnic minorities have endured various adversities for over six decades but are largely underserved. This study aimed to illuminate the health impacts of their misfortunes and unmet areas of concern. Using a holistic lens, we conducted an integrative review of 47 papers spanning the years 2004 to 2022 from diverse data sources. The results revealed widespread multimorbidity, triggered mainly by displacement. The diaspora’s problematic health conditions were worse than their host country’s general population. There was a strong indication that the diaspora’s unfortunate health trajectory is determined early in life. Ongoing human rights violations and grossly inadequate healthcare interventions deepened pre-existing health conditions. Noteworthy emerging treatment initiatives, including integrative health care, were underutilized. The persisting health and intervention needs among the diaspora warrant advanced studies to facilitate much-needed resource mobilization and collaboration among stakeholders to promote health equity.

Biography

I am a licensed clinical social worker. I served the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services for over two decades, addressing child abuse and neglect. Currently, I am teaching social work at California State University Los Angeles and enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Loma Linda University (LLU). I am a part of the Professional Presentation and Publication Research Lab at LLU, run by Dr. Zephon Lister, Kim Freeman, and Susanne Montgomery. Moreover, I am assisting a faculty at the University of California, Los Angeles, Department of Social Welfare and Medicine/Geriatrics, Dr. Lené Levy-Storms, with her research projects on aging populations. Further, I love traveling and have visited over 40 countries in the past 20 years. This endeavor has enhanced my cultural sensitivity. As I advance my scholarship, I want to extend my contribution to global social justice and equity in healthcare systems for marginalized people.