103 Exploring body image perceptions and health among afghan hazara migrants in Australia: a qualitative study on migrants, acculturation, and wellbeing

Abstract EP1.4, e-Poster Terminal 1, September 4, 2025, 11:35 - 13:00 It is well-known that an individual’s health can be adversely impacted through their body image perceptions. However, there is paucity of information related to refugee populations, such as the Afghan Hazara, who may have faced conflict. We therefore aimed to explore connections between immigration, acculturation and body image perceptions of Afghan refugee migrants in Australia. This qualitative study utilising semi-structured in-depth interviews was carried out with nine mothers, and seven fathers who were Afghan, Muslim, Hazara coupled parents of school-aged children living in regional Victoria, Australia. Thematic analysis was performed on the transcripts. The findings suggest that this group did not perceive body image as traditionally seen in Western literature whereby it is widely recognised that an individual’s health can be negatively impacted by their body image perceptions. Rather, they viewed it as a connection between physical health and mental wellbeing accompanied by being over or under weight as indicators of poor health. The significant change in lifestyle post migration was described in terms of improvement in physical safety and access to resources such as healthcare, giving them the mental capacity to think about topics such as health and body image. Participants predominantly adhered to their traditional diet, gender roles, and social and cultural norms. However, many showed a keen interest in enhancing their and their family’s lives by embracing new ideas that presented opportunities for improvement. This suggests an avenue to promote healthcare and wellbeing utilising a strengths-based approach for this group.