Mentor/s
Dr. Jonix Owino
Participation Type
Poster
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, and older refugees faced unique vulnerabilities. They often experience social, psychological, and practical difficulties, compounded by forced migration and displacement (Miller & Rasmussen, 2017). These challenges are magnified by healthcare accessibility, language barriers, and discrimination. Unlike the general population, older refugees navigated these issues alongside the stress of displacement. Understanding how they coped during crises like COVID-19 is critical for developing support systems. Thirty-seven Congolese refugees, aged 55–67 (average 65.7 years), were recruited from an East Coast U.S. community. The study explored their perceptions of life during COVID-19, particularly how they coped. Participants were interviewed for 35–65 minutes, discussing changes in daily life, healthcare, and social interactions. Thematic content analysis identified key patterns in their responses. Older Congolese refugees faced pronounced challenges due to their background. Many reported increased social isolation, worsened by limited language interpreters and service access. Coping strategies reflected cultural values and refugee experiences, including traditional medicine and cognitive reframing.Findings highlight the need for culturally tailored interventions. Providing access to health information, language services, and mental health support can improve older refugees' well-being in future crises.
College and Major available
College of Arts and Sciences
Academic Level
Undergraduate student
Location
Digital Commons & West Campus West Building University Commons
Start Day/Time
4-25-2025 12:00 PM
End Day/Time
4-25-2025 2:00 PM
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Prize Categories
Most Scholarly Impact or Potential, Most Transformative for Social Justice, Best Visuals
Resilience in Adversity: Older Refugees' Experiences During COVID-19 Pandemic in the U.S.
Digital Commons & West Campus West Building University Commons
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, and older refugees faced unique vulnerabilities. They often experience social, psychological, and practical difficulties, compounded by forced migration and displacement (Miller & Rasmussen, 2017). These challenges are magnified by healthcare accessibility, language barriers, and discrimination. Unlike the general population, older refugees navigated these issues alongside the stress of displacement. Understanding how they coped during crises like COVID-19 is critical for developing support systems. Thirty-seven Congolese refugees, aged 55–67 (average 65.7 years), were recruited from an East Coast U.S. community. The study explored their perceptions of life during COVID-19, particularly how they coped. Participants were interviewed for 35–65 minutes, discussing changes in daily life, healthcare, and social interactions. Thematic content analysis identified key patterns in their responses. Older Congolese refugees faced pronounced challenges due to their background. Many reported increased social isolation, worsened by limited language interpreters and service access. Coping strategies reflected cultural values and refugee experiences, including traditional medicine and cognitive reframing.Findings highlight the need for culturally tailored interventions. Providing access to health information, language services, and mental health support can improve older refugees' well-being in future crises.
Students' Information
Gianna Cicalese Psychology
Ella Capparelli Psychology
Alexa Charleus Psychology
Julia Fernandez Psychology
Daniella Stanzione Psychology