Experiences of Discrimination and Self-reported Health

Abstract

Asylum seekers and refugees are confronted with multiple challenges before, during and after their flight from their home countries. The aim of this article is to shed more light on the distinct relationship between experiences of discrimination and self-reported health. On the basis of the REHEAL (Refugee Health) data, we are able to distinguish different reasons of discrimination, such as ethnicity, language or religion, as well as when the discrimination took place, e.g. before or during the flight or within the refugee camps. We are thereby particularly interested in the experience of discrimination in the refugee camps. In a first step, we aim to assess who is more likely to be discriminated against, for example women or members of the ethnic minority within the camps. In the second step, we analyse the relationship between discrimination and self-reported health. Our results reveal that discrimination is an important additional source for reporting poor health. Moreover, we find that women in particular suffer more from discrimination and thus bad health.