Social capital disparities experienced by refugee youth in urban areas of British Columbia, Canada

Background: 1,900 Syrian refugees are expected to arrive in British Columbia by February 2016, following refugees from South Sudan and Southeast Asia. There are ongoing reviews of the experience of recent refugees, including... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
1,900 Syrian refugees are expected to arrive in British Columbia by February 2016, following refugees from South Sudan and Southeast Asia. There are ongoing reviews of the experience of recent refugees, including some who went through prolonged detainment at a youth custody centre. The 2013 BC Adolescent Health Survey (BC AHS) identified that 1% of youth in urban areas of British Columbia (BC) were in the province as a refugee. These youth may be lacking social capital, the important support networks in the lives of young people.

Methodology:
The BC AHS was conducted in Spring, 2013 with Grade 7 to 12 students across British Columbia, Canada (n = 29,832). The survey included 130 questions about health, including background information and measures of social capital.

Results:
Among refugee youth, 27% had lived in Canada for less than two years. Compared to youth who were born in Canada, refugee youth reported lower social capital, through weaker connections to their family, school, peers and community.

Refugee youth were less likely to be living with a parent, and more likely to be living with unrelated adults or on their own compared to those born in Canada. These youth had fewer close friends, and were more likely to report missing school because of bullying, employment, or family responsibilities. Refugees more frequently reported the lowest levels of school connectedness and were less likely to have post-secondary plans.

However, having strong social capital was associated with better mental health. Refugee youth who felt connected to school reported better overall mental health and higher self-esteem, as did those with supportive adults in their neighbourhood.

Conclusion:
Social capital is associated with better mental health ratings among refugee youth. These networks should be considered when supporting their transition to living in Canada.