Nursing undergrad Sarah Oung publishes research on migrant health

A new study, published by UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing undergraduate student Sarah Oung, examines how Myanmar migrants living in Thailand navigated healthcare access and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the aftermath of the 2021 military coup.

The qualitative study, Access to Healthcare in Thailand During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Interview Study of Migrants From Myanmar, utilized interviews with 32 migrants and found that participants faced major barriers to healthcare, including lack of insurance, high costs, language difficulties, and limited access to services. As a result, many avoided formal healthcare and relied instead on self-care, traditional remedies, and informal support from community organizations.

Study participants also experienced high levels of stress due to displacement, family separation, financial hardship, and fear of violence. Rather than seeking professional mental health care, most emphasized self-reliance and used religion as a key coping strategy.

Despite the many challenges, Oung’s research highlights the resilience of migrant communities and emphasizes the importance of strong community ties. It concludes that culturally sensitive, community-based interventions are needed to improve healthcare access and support for this vulnerable population.

Oung, who is graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in June 2026, co-authored the study with researchers from around the world. The international team is comprised of several current and former UCLA Nursing students, postdoctoral researchers, and led by Professor Wei-Ti Chen. Researchers from Chiang Mai University and Chiang Mai Rajabhat University in Thailand, Juntendo University in Japan, the Myanmar Positive Group in Myanmar, and Glocal Action in Taiwan also participated in the study.