Page 8 - IJPS-11-2

International Journal of
Population Studies Cultural identity and health risks in forced migration

The forced removal of individuals from their homes is exacerbates feelings of estrangement, gloom, and unease
labeled compelled migration, and this phenomenon can in relocated groups and that such emotions intensify
significantly impact the cultural identities and mortality mental health difficulties (Bhugra & Becker, 2005). For
rates of affected communities (Bhugra, 2004). Disputes, example, the abysmal conditions of their refugee camps
armed conflicts, or collapsing states often force people to in Bangladesh have further aggravated the psychological
flee their home nations. Such individuals are then placed in strains that Rohingya refugees must endure because
unfamiliar and challenging environments that require them they are forced to forfeit cultural traditions and social
to adapt to new cultural norms and navigate unpredictable structures integral to their selfhood (Tay et al., 2019). In
paths to resettlement. Forced transfers immensely impact addition, people who are uprooted from their homelands
numerous families, and some of them struggle to preserve are deprived of familiar cultural fundamentals and support
their cultural traditions as they adapt to the new location. systems that underpin their sense of belonging; thus, their
Furthermore, mortality rates increase dramatically due to loneliness and hopelessness become amplified (Riley et al.,
difficulties in adjusting to changing living circumstances 2020). Relocation can thrust some groups into totally
and the stresses stemming from unforeseen relocations unfamiliar surroundings; nevertheless, most displaced
(Saarela & Finnäs, 2009). people slowly but surely reconcile with change. Some
Internally, displaced persons suffer greatly because individuals accept their new community lifestyles with
their prolonged proximity to conflict zones and scarcity ease and can fuse old and new customs; others cannot
of resources tend to exacerbate ill health (Khai, 2023). relinquish familiar routines and cling to disappearing
However, the medical conditions of forced migrants vary traditions. Individuals also vary in their adjustment
substantively depending on their circumstances. Such capabilities: some evolve and some stagnate. The literature
migrants often encounter diverse risks during their transit on the impact of forced migration on health is growing.
that jeopardize their well-being: for instance, exposure to However, the psychosocial and cultural consequences of
illness, limited access to medical care, exploitation, violence, displacement on the health outcomes of migrants require
and even death. The psychological impact of forced further investigation because these facets could exert
relocation includes distress caused by their separation lasting and deleterious effects. A dearth also exists in the
from their loved ones, apprehensions about the future, and literature focusing on culturally appropriate strategies that
difficulties in acclimating to a foreign culture. Such issues can alleviate such threats. Therefore, the cultural identities
can result in drug dependence as a coping mechanism and health states of forced migrants denote integral
(Kuo, 2014a). Their resources also remain limited due to objectives of this study. Ultimately, the examination of
instability, and their safety remains uncertain. compelled migration facilitates the comprehension of how
policies can be implemented to enhance the overall health
Cultural traditions are focal to the sense of identity of forced immigrants. This study represents an extensive
of every community; however, forced migrations often narrative review; it also aims to inform the design and
disturb cultural practices (Cohen & Sirkeci, 2011). implementation of future research and policy initiatives.
Migrants regularly confront challenges in retaining their Thus, this study investigates the dual impact of forced
cultural contexts when they adjust to new environments. migrations on cultural identity and health. It emphasizes
Fadhlia et al. (2022) observed that communal gatherings the need for comprehensive assistance networks addressing
and festive celebrations pivotal to the fostering of cultural cultural issues and highlights their impact on the health-
unity declined in displaced Syrians. However, some related experiences of displaced people.
communities demonstrate resilience through innovation.
Refugees discover new means of preserving their languages 2. Data and methods
and traditions: For instance, constructing virtual forums This study adopted a narrative review methodology
to replace lost physical spaces. Younger generations drive to analyze how cultural identities intersect with
the transmission of their legacies through social media and health vulnerabilities in forcibly displaced persons,
reimagined observances. Displaced individuals strengthen emphasizing the complexities of the associations. The
their bonds notwithstanding disruptions by reminding narrative review was selected because it searches for an
each other of their treasured customs and roots (Alencar exhaustive combination of theoretical and empirical
& Camargo, 2023). literature and, thus, helps to demonstrate the enriching
Often, the displacement of communities results in the and multidisciplinary dimensions of forced migrations,
erosion of their cultural identities, which can significantly health threats, and cultural integration (Sukhera, 2022).
impact their psychological well-being. Studies have Unlike systematic reviews that focus on specific questions,
evidenced that the dissolution of cultural identities narrative reviews are ideal for analyses of themes across

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