Promoting Health Equity: An Intersectional Analysis of Social Determinants, Coping Mechanisms, and Well-Being among Immigrant Women

Dear Colleagues,

In today's globalized world, migration has become a defining feature, with millions of individuals relocating to new countries in search of better opportunities, safety, or refuge. Immigrant women, in particular, represent a unique and diverse group with varying cultural, socioeconomic, and personal backgrounds. This diversity necessitates a nuanced understanding of the social determinants that impact their health and well-being, the coping mechanisms they employ, and the resulting health disparities they may face.

Key areas of exploration for this Special Issue include but are not limited to:

• Intersectionality and Global Perspective: Investigating the intersectional identities of immigrant women, including their ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, immigration status, and other intersecting factors; and adopting a global lens to encompass immigrants from diverse regions worldwide, providing a comprehensive view of the immigrant experience.
• Social Determinants: Analyzing how social determinants such as discrimination, acculturation, access to healthcare, economic disparities, and legal status influence the health and well-being of immigrant women. Authors are encouraged to delve into these determinants' intricate effects within various cultural contexts.
• Coping Mechanisms: Exploring the strategies, both individual and collective, that immigrant women employ to navigate these challenges. This may include examining social support networks, community resources, and culturally relevant coping mechanisms that contribute to resilience.
• Health Disparities: Investigating the health disparities that immigrant women face, which may be shaped by a multitude of factors. Authors should critically assess these disparities while considering both the unique challenges and strengths of immigrant communities.

While certain aspects of immigrant health and well-being have been well-researched, there remains a compelling need for fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. Reasons for exploring even well-studied topics in this Special Issue include:

• Intersectional and Global Focus: By adopting an intersectional and global perspective, this Special Issue aims to capture the diverse experiences of immigrant women from various regions and backgrounds. It encourages researchers to delve deeper into the intricacies of these experiences.
• Identifying Solutions: Whilst previous research may have identified problems and disparities, this Special Issue seeks to highlight innovative solutions, interventions, and strategies that promote health equity among immigrant women. Authors should focus on providing actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and communities.
• Insightful Understanding: Each immigrant woman's experience is unique. This Special Issue encourages authors to explore the complexities and cultural context of the immigrant experience to provide a profound and comprehensive understanding.

Authors interested in contributing to this Special Issue should concentrate on:

• Originality: Providing original research or innovative perspectives that contribute to the ongoing discourse on immigrant women's health. Authors should strive to bring fresh insights to well-studied topics.
• Interdisciplinary Approaches: Leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to offer a holistic understanding of the subject matter. Collaborations across fields such as sociology, public health, psychology, cultural studies, and more are encouraged.
• Practical Implications: Emphasizing the practical implications of their research. Authors should discuss how their findings can inform policies, interventions, or community practices aimed at promoting health equity among immigrant women.
• Global Relevance: Ensuring their research has global relevance by considering immigrant women from diverse geographical locations. Comparative analyses that highlight similarities and differences across regions are valuable.

Dr. Venera Bekteshi
Guest Editor

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• health equity
• social determinants
• coping mechanisms
• intersectionality and global perspective
• identifying solutions
• immigrant women