Post-migration stressors and health vulnerabilities among Afghan refugees and asylum seekers in Türkiye

Abstract

This phenomenological study examines the lived experiences of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers navigating health and social support in Türkiye. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 25 Dari-speaking Afghan refugees residing in Kayseri, Türkiye, between December 2023 and June 2024. Interviews were conducted in Dari or English, based on participant preference, and audio-recorded with participants’ consent. The interviews were conducted using an interview guide designed to facilitate conversation about lived experiences in Türkiye with a focus on health. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed four overlapping themes: (1) widespread psychological distress, (2) discrimination and social exclusion in everyday interactions, (3) economic hardship as a mental health burden, and (4) restrictive migration policies as chronic stressors. Findings underscore how restrictive migration policies shape health outcomes, positioning them as critical social determinants of health for Afghan refugees and asylum seekers.