Health-Seeking Behaviors of the Displaced Afghan Women in Pakistan

Study Background The study aims to investigate the sustainable health behaviors of underrepresented ethnic minority communities in Pakistan. Pakistan is a multiethnic and multilingual country that hosts national and international populations due to its unique geographic location. Due to cultural and religious imperialism, some ethnic communities have received more attention than others (Alizai, 2021). As a result, minority communities lacking political, economic, social, and religious standing often face marginalization. Underrepresented ethnic groups such as the Baloch, Tajiks, Hazaras, Persians, and Kochis, along with marginalized religious communities such as Hindus, Dalits, Christians, Shias, Parsis, and Deo-Badees, experience discrimination and prejudice in Pakistan (Singha, 2022). Research Methodology To investigate the health-seeking behaviors of displaced Afghan women in Pakistan, this study employs a qualitative research paradigm to collect data. By adopting oral history methods, the research intends to conduct focus group interviews. The research population will be in Quetta, Pakistan, with a sample size of 20 displaced Afghan women. Chatman’s “Small Worlds Theory” will serve as the theoretical lens for data analysis (Chatman, 1991). Thematic analysis will be employed to investigate, assign codes, and generate themes, ultimately leading to conclusions and recommendations. Research Findings The information behaviors of underrepresented Afghan women can help us understand the social and cultural factors that influence health, education, and economic sustainability, especially among displaced women in developing nations. The research aims to recommend reformative changes in Pakistan’s immigration policy that should be gender appropriate and be supportive of the displaced Afghan women in Pakistan.