Describes the design of the BNLA study, which recruited 2,399 humanitarian migrants in 2013–14 and followed them over several yearly waves. It explains what was measured, including health, mental health, English and settlement.
Topic: Refugees and asylum seekers
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Pre-migration and post-migration factors associated with mental health in humanitarian migrants in Australia and the moderation effect of post-migration stressors: findings from the first wave data of the BNLA cohort study
Using the first wave of the BNLA study (about 2,400 humanitarian migrants), this study linked traumatic events before migration and stresses after arrival to PTSD and serious distress. Stresses after arrival made the link between past trauma and poor mental health stronger.
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Responding together: Multicultural young people and their mental health
A policy report on the mental health of young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. It notes that most are resilient but that racism and managing a multicultural identity can harm wellbeing, and it makes policy recommendations.
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Building a New Life in Australia (BNLA): The Longitudinal Study of Humanitarian Migrants
A ten-year study (2013–14 to 2023) that followed about 2,400 people who arrived on humanitarian visas, covering settlement, health and mental health. Researchers can apply to use the data, and it underpins many Australian refugee mental health studies.
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Understanding the mental health and help-seeking behaviours of refugees
A short AIFS research summary using BNLA data. It reports high levels of distress and trauma symptoms among refugees but only about one in five seeking help, usually from family and friends, with stigma, language and cost as barriers.
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Mental Health and Wellbeing for Victoria’s Multicultural Communities Under COVID-19 (Issue Brief)
A brief on how the COVID-19 pandemic hit the mental health of Victoria’s multicultural communities, including temporary visa holders, women and young people. It calls for emergency support for temporary visa holders and trauma-informed, culturally responsive care.
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Designing mental health services for young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds: Good practice framework
A practical guide for Primary Health Networks and services on designing youth mental health services that work for young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. It was developed with young people, services and PHNs, alongside a literature review.
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Fact sheet: Suicidality among culturally and linguistically diverse communities
A short fact sheet from the national suicide prevention peak body. It says data on suicide in CALD communities is patchy or missing, and highlights higher risk for refugees and people seeking asylum.
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Position Statement 46: The provision of mental health services for asylum seekers and refugees
The psychiatry college’s position on mental health care for people seeking asylum and refugees. It calls for an end to immigration detention and for care equal to that of the general population, noting very high rates of self-harm among detained children.
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Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder, PTSD and Complex PTSD: Refugees and asylum seekers
The refugee and asylum seeker section of Australia’s national PTSD treatment guidelines. It advises broad assessment that includes migration history, visa status and current stresses, and says trauma-focused therapy works but must be paired with practical support.