Transnational social networks, health, and care: a systematic narrative literature review

Abstract While transnational social ties and exchanges are a core concern within migration studies, health researchers have often overlooked their importance. Continuous circular of information networks, also defined as remittances, facilitate the diffusion innovations, potentially driving contemporary cultural change. Influences on health, wellbeing, care-seeking important, but under-researched, dimensions for consideration. We undertook systematic narrative evidence synthesis to describe current state knowledge in this area identify gaps future directions take. Between April 2017 May 2019, an iterative series searches Medline, Embase, PsycINFO PubMed, plus backward forward citation identified 1173 potential papers. Screening resulted 36 included papers, eighteen focused migrant populations those who remain behind. The top three topics were health-seeking strategies, sexual reproductive issues, healthcare support. And, while not always explicitly identified, mental wellbeing was further prominent, cross-cutting theme. Articles all conducted global North 13 out 18 used qualitative methods. Five main themes identified: therapeutic effect continuing relationships, disrupted hybridisation healthcare, facilitation connections providers, factors encouraging or undermining exchanges. Papers concerned with behind mainly South mix quantitative approaches. Four transfer health-related advice, norms, support; associations between linkages behaviours/outcomes; collective knowledge; power resistance Findings suggest that can both support undermine migrants This review confirms volume quality research must be increased so policy practice informed by better understanding these important influences