Page 7 - IJPS-11-2

International Journal of

Population Studies

PERSPECTIVE ARTICLE
A narrative review of cultural identity and health

risks in forced migration

Nasrullah Bhat * , Fayaz Ahmad Paul 2 , Aadil Bashir 1 , Aamir Gul 3 , and
1
Zahoor Ahmad Ganie 4
1 Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu
and Kashmir, India
2 Department of Psychiatric Social Work, Medical and Allied Health Sciences, LGB Regional Institute
of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam, India
3 Institute of Kashmir Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu
and Kashmir, India
4 Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, Government Degree College for Women,
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Abstract

Forced migrations driven by conflicts, natural disasters, and persecution severely
disrupt cultural identity and exacerbate health vulnerabilities in displaced
populations. This narrative review focuses on both physical and mental health
outcomes in exploring the intricate relationships between forced migrations, cultural
*Corresponding author: dislocation, and health risks. The study identifies four key themes. First, the aspect
Nasrullah Bhat of forced migrations and cultural identity highlights the fragmentation of cultural
(bhatnasrullah14@gmail.com) practices and reveals the challenges of identity reconstruction. Second, the facet
Citation: Bhat, N., Paul, F.A., of forced migration and health vulnerabilities underscores the increased risks of
Bashir, A., Gul, A. & Ganie, Z.A. infectious diseases, malnutrition, and mental health disorders such as depression
(2025). A narrative review of cultural
identity and health risks in forced and post-traumatic stress disorder. Third, the interplays of cultural identity and
migration. International Journal of health reveal that the preservation of cultural practices can buffer against negative
Population Studies, 11(2): 1-16. health influences while cultural losses exacerbate the deterioration of health.
https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.4468
Finally, culturally sensitive policies and interventions require healthcare systems
Received: August 7, 2024 to adopt culturally competent approaches that can address the unique challenges
1st revised: August 12, 2024 confronting forced migrants. The review concludes by identifying gaps in the
literature, including the need for additional research on long-term health outcomes
2nd revised: October 22, 2024
and the effectiveness of culturally sensitive interventions. This study delivers valuable
Accepted: November 15, 2024 insights for policymakers and healthcare providers seeking to improve the well-
Published online: December 19, being of displaced populations through culturally responsive care.
2024
Copyright: © 2024 Author(s). Keywords: Conflict; Culture; Displacement; Forced migration; Mortality; Vulnerabilities
This is an Open-Access article
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution
License, permitting distribution,
and reproduction in any medium, 1. Introduction
provided the original work is
properly cited. Millions of people worldwide are displaced due to violence, natural calamities, and
Publisher’s Note: AccScience other emergencies. Such dislocation tears individuals from their roots and impacts
Publishing remains neutral with their cultural inclusion, a factor crucial for the determination of human communal and
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional psychological wellness (Ford et al., 2015). Elevated mortality rates are also common
affiliations. outcomes of the increased health risks facing displaced groups (Cantor et al., 2021).

Volume 11 Issue 2 (2025) 1 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.4468