124 Integration for health or health for integration?

Abstract WKS 33: Integration for Health or health for integration?, Auditório B1 (FCSH), September 5, 2025, 11:30 - 12:30 Background The CHART/ Int4Health projects have created evidence regarding the health and integration trajectories of a cohort of Syrian resettlement refugees in Norway and on the effect of three interventions to improve the refugees` health. Results The results highlight the complexity and bidirectionality of the associations between health and integration. Initial improvements in physical and mental health post-arrival declined over time, accompanied by increased healthcare utilization. Early resettlement health was positively associated with social integration and language proficiency four years later. Despite one-third of participants reporting discrimination after four years in Norway, good mental health appeared to buffer its psychological impact, and maternal mental health significantly influenced the well-being of children and adolescents. Refugees frequently relied on general practitioners for everyday challenges, also those not related to health and specially targeted group interventions for psychological trauma and chronic pain were partially successful. Health status influenced language acquisition, while social support facilitated it, positioning language as both a health outcome and resource. Legal and policy frameworks critically shaped societal participation, identifying integration as a determinant of health. Engagement in meaningful work-related activities supported well-being. Discussion This workshop including researchers, policymakers and civil society will discuss the findings of the project aiming to bridge the gap between knowledge and policy implementation. Through active participation with participants and panel members, we aim to disseminate the project’s results, discuss their relevance for other international settings, debate opportunities for implementation and co-develop ideas for further advancement of knowledge on integration and health.