Challenges and coping strategies of refugees: Exploring residual Liberian refugees’ experiences in Ghana
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Date
2015
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
SAGE
Abstract
This study explored the challenges and coping strategies among Liberian refugees in
Ghana. Using a qualitative research design, 40 participants were purposively recruited at
a refugee settlement in Ghana. Four focus group discussions and sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted. The focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were
audio-taped, transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically based on the objectives of
the study. The findings indicated that the refugees experienced challenges related to
disruption in social networks, disputes over resources, high rate of unemployment, and
increased level of criminal activities. The study also revealed that the refugees included
in this study resorted to religion, spirituality, and income earning activities as their
coping strategies. The findings offer insights for social workers, policy actors, and
future research.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Coping, migration, refugees, spirituality, faith, focus group
Citation
Dako-Gyeke, M., & Adu, E. (2017). Challenges and coping strategies of refugees: Exploring residual Liberian refugees’ experiences in Ghana. Qualitative Social Work, 16(1), 96–112. https://doi.org/10.1177/1473325015596218