Background Refugees have poorer bereavement outcomes due to their previous trauma-related experiences. However, there is limited evidence on their bereavement care needs and risk factors from a psycho-socio-cultural viewpoint.

Objective To synthesise evidence concerning bereavement support for refugees in the context of psycho-socio-cultural concept of personhood.

Methods We conducted a rapid systematic review with a narrative synthesis of results using the Ring Theory of Personhood. Five electronic databases and grey literature were used to identify the relevant qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies related to bereavement experiences of adult refugees who had traumatic experiences and close-one death. Findings were grouped into (i) four rings (innate, individual, relational, and societal) of personhood and (ii) bereavement support needs of refugees. Quality was assessed using the appraisal tool developed by Hawker et al (2002).

Results 11 studies (8 quantitative, 2 mixed-methods, 1 qualitative) were identified. 55% of refugees were male (n=1674 out of 3053). 20% of bereaved refugees had prolonged grief disorder. Based on the rings of personhood, various risk factors were associated with bereavement such as female sex, age, comorbidity, culture and religious beliefs and values, and social factors. They needed psycho-socio-cultural bereavement support interventions which may increase healthcare providers’ insight into refugees’ perspectives, values and preferences.

Conclusions To facilitate higher quality person-centred care and provide more positive bereavement outcomes, we recommend culturally adapted and personalised bereavement care for bereaved refugees from diverse backgrounds. The findings may provide important insights into cultural processes shaping the bereavement response to healthcare services and help healthcare professionals to respond more appropriately and sensitively to individuals’ needs. Further research is needed to identify useful psycho-socio-cultural assessment and intervention strategies aiming at the early detection and reduction of bereavement-related risk factors in this specific population.

PROSPERO-ID: CRD42022370126