Community Integration of Burmese Refugees in the United States

Abstract

Community integration is a key to successful resettlement among refugees coming to the United States. Despite the potential benefits of community integration, to date there is no empirical study that examines multifaceted dimensions of community integration among Burmese refugees who are at high risk of physical and mental health problems and social isolation. This pilot study examined the multifaceted dimensions of community integration (physical, social, and psychological integration) and their associated factors among Burmese refugees in the U.S. The study accentuates the importance of health and employment status among Burmese refugees because they were positively associated with physical and social integration. The findings of this study also highlight the ways in which practitioners and policymakers promote the community integration of Burmese refugees, which, in turn, enhances their quality of life.