Anna Banerji MD MPH FRCPC DTM&H O.Ont
March 17th 2012
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My role
Question: Barriers to Multicultural Health
Research
Research issues
◦ Not a priority vs CVS drugs
◦ Not understand the different categories of
newcomers
◦ Not a large lobby
◦ Lack of funding for research
◦ Systematic racism
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Newcomer issues
◦ Language, study what is easier to study
 Interpreters are expensive
◦ What is informed consent to a refugee?
◦ Research is not a priority if you live in poverty, can’t
navigate the system, can’t feed your family
◦ Children have little power
◦ More vulnerable, research is less of a priority
◦ Undocumented people are hard to reach, may not
want to disclose status
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Lack of funds,
Lack of implementation
◦ Research shows malnutrition is rampant-but can’t
afford vitamins
◦ Still living in poverty
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Competing time for clinicians, service vs
research
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mental health, impact of mental health of
parents
Nutrition
Parasites
Other infectious diseases
The impact of poverty
Lack of health insurance
Increasing benefits for ITF
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Setting priorities in research based on needs
and working backwards
Increasing forums for Education and Research
◦ Collaboration and sharing of information
◦ Canadian Refugee Health Conference
◦ Evidence based medicine
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Enhanced collaboration of Clinicians &
researchers
Enhanced research funding
Greater lobby and KT
Press releases on studies