Exploring the Perception of Mental Well-being among Myanmar Migrants with refugee status during their Resettlement Process in Sweden A Qualitative Content Analysis

Abstract: Background and Aim: Sweden is one of the European countries which receive refugees worldwide, including those from Myanmar. As Myanmar refugees begin to resettle in Swedish society, they might experience challenges that may affect their mental health and well-being. Although mental health problems of immigrants in Sweden have increased over the past years, few studies have addressed the mental well-being of the Myanmar immigrant’s community. This knowledge gap needs to be explored from a public health perspective to promote the mental health of Myanmar migrants and refugees living in Sweden. This study aims to explore the perception of the mental well-being of Myanmar migrants with refugee status during their resettlement process in Sweden. Method: Data were collected by conducting in-depth interviews with eight Myanmar migrants who are currently living in Sweden with refugee status. Each subject was interviewed via Zoom video conferencing meeting (one-on-one interview) and the data were analyzed by applying qualitative content analysis. Results: Interview findings resulted in one overarching theme: Experiencing the emergence of opportunities and the need for mental well-being with two sub-themes: 1) Perceiving mental well-being as thriving in a secure place with prospects for the future despite encountering challenges and, 2) Feeling confident that both formal and informal mental health support will be accessible during the resettlement process. These themes were developed from five categories. All these categories were based on fourteen subcategories. Conclusion: Myanmar migrants with refugee status perceive Sweden as a place where they can address and be aware of opportunities and needs for their mental well-being compared to the previous countries where they lived before arriving in Sweden. Having hope for their future in Sweden is a reason to overcome the challenges during their resettlement process. They become more focused on the importance of mental health support during their transition period in Sweden; however, the study suggests that Myanmar migrants with refugee status have limited knowledge about mental health information.