Practical and Ethical Issues in Conducting Health Research with Refugees

Research is needed in Canada to understand refugees’ health challenges and barriers to accessing health services. There are practical and ethical challenges for engaging refugees as participants. This study observed five recruitment methods and three informed consent strategies for four Government Assisted Refugee (GAR) language groups (Somali, Arabic, Karen and Farsi/Dari) in British Columbia. Demographic, attitudes and knowledge questionnaires were administered and language concordant focus groups explored participant perspectives on practical and ethical research issues. Participants’ knowledge and experience with research was generally low particularly for groups with low formal education. Recruitment success was influenced by participants’ familiarity with the research team. Twenty-three variables impacting participants’ willingness to participate in research were identified. There were high rates of consent form signing which were even higher with implied consent options. Participants’ identified challenges and strategies for the informed consent process. This research provides guidance for involving Canadian refugees in health research.