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Kibet JJ, Phillips JS, Latrous MC, Khalil H, Morris LD. Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the Swahili Pain Catastrophizing Scale among refugees who survived torture and/or war trauma in Kenya: An observational study. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2095. [PMID: 38766571 PMCID: PMC11099726 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Accurate assessment of any patient relies on the use of appropriate measurements which are culturally- and linguistically-applicable and valid. The following study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt and test the nomological validity, structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, sensitivity-to-change and feasibility of the Swahili version of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (Swa-PCS) among refugees who survived torture/war trauma living with chronic pain in Kenya. Methods An observational study was conducted. Translation and cultural adaptation of the original PCS for the Swahili-speaking refugee population in Kenya, who survived torture or war trauma was undertaken. Following this process, a validation study was conducted on the newly-adapted instrument, to ascertain the psychometric properties (nomological validity, structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, sensitivity-to change, and ceiling and floor effects). Results Fifty participants were included in this study. Correlations between pain catastrophization and fear-avoidance behavior measures were significant (r = 0.538, p < 0.01). Ceiling effects were 42-48% with no floor effects. Standard errors of measurement values were between 0.938 and 3.38. Minimal-detectable-change values were between 2.17 and 7.82. Internal consistency was satisfactory to good, for the whole and subsections respectively (range α = 0.693-0.845). Magnification had the lowest α. Test-retest reliability was also satisfactory to good (range ICC = 0.672-0.878). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the Swa-PCS had three factors which explained the majority of the variance. Root mean square error of approximation and comparative fit index were calculated for goodness-of-fit assessment, and were 0.18 and 0.83, respectively. Conclusion This study showed that the adapted Swa-PCS displayed overall satisfactory to good internal consistency, test-retest reliability and sensitivity-to-change. Furthermore, the Swa-PCS scores were related to fear-avoidance behavior scores as expected (nomological validity). Structural validation of the Swa-PCS requires further investigation. Further testing of the psychometric properties of the Swa-PCS is however warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jepkemoi J. Kibet
- Department of PhysiotherapyUniversity of the Western CapeBellvilleSouth Africa
| | - Joliana S. Phillips
- Department of PhysiotherapyUniversity of the Western CapeBellvilleSouth Africa
| | - Mariem C. Latrous
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU HealthQatar UniversityDohaQatar
| | - Hanan Khalil
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU HealthQatar UniversityDohaQatar
| | - Linzette D. Morris
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU HealthQatar UniversityDohaQatar
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Gasnier M, Aouizerat A, Chappell K, Baubet T, Corruble E. Psychotic and Somatic Symptoms Are Frequent in Refugees With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Narrative Review. J Psychiatr Pract 2024; 30:104-118. [PMID: 38526398 DOI: 10.1097/pra.0000000000000772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In 2021, 89.3 million refugees were vulnerable to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after exposure to multiple and repeated traumatic experiences. The recent war in Ukraine provoked 7 million refugees to flee their homes. Specific clinical presentations of PTSD in refugee populations may not be familiar to most physicians. The goal of this review is to describe the diagnosis and specific clinical features of PTSD in refugees. METHODS This narrative review of 263 articles explores 3 PTSD diagnoses that are frequently described in refugee populations and that have been observed in our clinical practices: complex PTSD, PTSD with psychotic symptoms, and PTSD with somatic symptoms. RESULTS While complex PTSD does not seem to be related to individuals' culture and origin, the other 2 diagnoses have been specifically described in refugee populations. PTSD with somatic manifestations appears to be the most frequently described and commonly acknowledged form in refugee populations, whereas PTSD with psychotic symptoms remains more controversial due to its clinical variability and association with comorbid disorders. CONCLUSIONS The difficulty of identifying PTSD with psychotic symptoms and PTSD with somatic symptoms in refugee populations may lead to misdiagnosis and explain the moderate effectiveness of care delivered to these populations. Appropriate diagnosis is essential to provide optimal psychiatric care to refugee populations.
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Reed DE, Lehinger EA, Cobos B, Williams RM, McGeary CA, McGeary DD. The mediating role of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in pain cognitions among Veterans with chronic pain. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38376946 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2024.2309897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are highly prevalent among Veterans with chronic pain. Considerable research has examined the intersection of chronic pain and PTSD symptoms. However, it remains unclear whether changes in PTSD may potentially serve a mechanistic role in improving unhelpful pain cognitions for individuals with chronic pain. The present research contributes to the foundational knowledge by addressing this question. Baseline data from a randomized controlled trial targeting pain-related disability for Veterans (n = 103; mean age 43.66; SD = 10.17) with musculoskeletal pain and depression and/or PTSD symptoms were used. Cross-sectional mediation analyses showed that PTSD symptoms mediated the relationship between pain severity and pain catastrophizing, and between pain severity and pain acceptance. After controlling for depression, the mediation involving pain catastrophizing remained significant, while the mediation for pain acceptance did not. Although limitations exist, results point to several treatment recommendations, including ensuring that depressive affect, PTSD-specific symptoms, and attention to both body and mind are included in treatment. Results also provide preliminary evidence for examining these associations longitudinally to improve our understanding of this population and corresponding treatment recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Reed
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seatle, Washington
- Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Elizabeth A Lehinger
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Briana Cobos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Rhonda M Williams
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Cindy A McGeary
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Donald D McGeary
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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Longstreth GF, Attix C, Kuck J. Torture Survivors and Asylum: Legal, Medical, and Psychological Perspectives. Am J Med 2023; 136:244-251. [PMID: 36370801 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2022.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Torture occurs worldwide. Survivors seeking asylum are detained and must complete a complicated legal process to prove a "well-founded fear of persecution" if returned to their home countries. Forensic evaluations guided by the United Nations Istanbul Protocol increase asylum grant rates. Medical evaluation emphasizes skin examination, which can provide strong evidence of torture. Female genital mutilation and cutting, a basis for asylum, is classified according to the World Health Organization. Many resettled refugees and foreign-born immigrants at urban health care facilities have been tortured, but few report it to physicians due to factors affecting both survivors and physicians. Specific torture methods can cause characteristic long-term sequelae. Painful somatic disorders of mind-body interaction and psychological disorders are common. Practices derived from cultural factors and traumatized individuals' feedback enhance management of survivors. Individual and group psychotherapy provide modest proven benefit, but assessment is limited. Physicians and psychotherapists should coordinate care.
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Affiliation(s)
- George F Longstreth
- Survivors of Torture International, San Diego, Calif; Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, Calif.
| | | | - Julie Kuck
- Survivors of Torture International, San Diego, Calif
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Nissen A, Hynek KA, Scales D, Hilden PK, Straiton M. Chronic pain, mental health and functional impairment in adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:571. [PMID: 36002823 PMCID: PMC9404590 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04200-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited research exists on pain and especially the co-occurrence of pain and mental ill health in general refugee populations. The present study aimed to approximate the prevalence of chronic pain (CP) among adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway; investigate the association between CP and mental ill health; and explore how CP and mental ill health associate with both perceived general health and functional impairment. Gender as potential effect modifier in these associations was also examined. METHODS Cross-sectional, postal survey questionnaire. INCLUSION CRITERIA ≥ 18 years old; refugee from Syria; and arrived in Norway between 2015 and 2017. Study sample was randomly drawn from full population registries, and n = 902 participated (participation rate ≈10%). CP was measured with 10 items on pain lasting for ≥ 3 consecutive months last year. Symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD were measured with the HSCL and HTQ scales, respectively. Ordered and binomial logistic regressions were used in analyses. Gender was tested as effect modifier with Wald test for interaction. RESULTS In the sample overall, the proportion of participants who reported severe CP was 43.1%. There was strong evidence that anxiety, depression and PTSD were associated with higher levels of CP. In fully adjusted regression models, including both CP and mental health variables, CP was strongly associated with poor perceived general health whereas mental health showed much weaker associations. The association between mental health (anxiety and PTSD) and functional impairment was highly gender specific, with strong associations in men but not in women. CP was strongly associated with functional impairment with no difference across gender. CONCLUSION The study shows a high burden of CP in a general population of adult refugees from Syria with likely substantial adverse consequences for daily functioning. The strong association between CP and mental ill health suggests personnel working with refugees' health should be attuned to their co-occurrence as both problems may need to be addressed for either to be effectively mitigated. A clear mismatch exists between the burden on health caused by pain in general refugee populations and the amount of available evidence to guide mitigating strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03742128.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Nissen
- Section for Trauma, Catastrophes and Forced Migration - Adults and Elderly, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, 0484, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Kamila Angelika Hynek
- grid.418193.60000 0001 1541 4204Division for Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Skøyen, PO Box 222, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - David Scales
- grid.5386.8000000041936877XSection of Hospital Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th Street, Box 331, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Per Kristian Hilden
- grid.504188.00000 0004 0460 5461Section for Trauma, Catastrophes and Forced Migration - Adults and Elderly, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, 0484 Oslo, Norway
| | - Melanie Straiton
- grid.418193.60000 0001 1541 4204Division for Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Skøyen, PO Box 222, 0213 Oslo, Norway
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Schippert ACSP, Grov EK, Bjørnnes AK. Uncovering re-traumatization experiences of torture survivors in somatic health care: A qualitative systematic review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246074. [PMID: 33539415 PMCID: PMC7861410 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Little research has focused on torture survivors' re-traumatization experiences in health and hospital units that treat somatic diseases, though any medical procedure can re-traumatize survivors. This study's purpose was to summarize qualitative research evidence on torture survivors' somatic healthcare experiences and to identify "triggers" or "reminders" that can lead to re-traumatization. The study's search strategies identified 6,326 citations and eight studies, comprising data from 290 participants, exploring encounters with healthcare providers from torture survivors' perspectives, which were included in the present research. Dallam's Healthcare Retraumatization Model was used as a framework for data extraction and analysis. Five main themes were elicited from the findings: (1) invisibility, silence, and mistrust; (2) healthcare providers' attitudes and a lack of perceived quality in healthcare; (3) disempowerment; (4) avoidance; and (5) satisfaction and gratitude. An analysis of the study's findings revealed that torture survivors do not receive adequate healthcare and may experience challenges during treatment that can result in re-traumatization. The findings of this literature review provide a basis for understanding the difficulties that survivors experience in receiving somatic healthcare, as well as an explanation of the re-traumatization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carla S. P. Schippert
- Institute of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen Karine Grov
- Institute of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ann Kristin Bjørnnes
- Institute of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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The Effect of Physiotherapy Group Intervention in Reducing Pain Disorders and Mental Health Symptoms among Syrian Refugees: A Randomized Controlled Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249468. [PMID: 33348794 PMCID: PMC7767069 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain is common among refugees, and often related to mental health problems. Its management, however, is often challenging. A randomized waitlist-controlled trial was designed to study the effect of group physiotherapy activity and awareness intervention (PAAI) on reducing pain disorders, and secondarily improving mental health, among Syrian refugees. A total of 101 adult Syrian refugees suffering from chronic pain were randomized to either the intervention group or the control group, which thereafter also received PAAI after a waiting period. Pain intensity measured by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) was the primary outcome. Scores from the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R 22) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were secondary outcomes. Intention-to-treat analyses (ITT) showed no effect of the intervention on either pain levels (regression coefficient [B {95% CI} of 0.03 {-0.91, 0.96}], IESR scores [4.8 {-3.7, 13.4}] or GHQ-12 scores [-0.4 {-3.1, 2.3}]). Yet, participants highly appreciated the intervention. Despite the negative findings, our study contributes to the evidence base necessary to plan targeted and effective health care services for refugees suffering from chronic pain and highlights the challenge of evaluating complex interventions adapted to a specific group.
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Board D, Childs S, Boulton R. Torture-survivors' experiences of healthcare services for pain: a qualitative study. Br J Pain 2020; 15:291-301. [PMID: 34377457 PMCID: PMC8339948 DOI: 10.1177/2049463720952495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Increasing numbers of torture-survivors are presenting to UK healthcare
services with persistent pain. However, there is a paucity of evidence
surrounding the management of persistent pain among torture-survivors and
their experience of healthcare services for pain is currently unknown. This
qualitative study explores their experiences of services for managing pain,
to inform clinical practice and service provision. Methods: Thirteen participants were recruited from a specialist pain clinic for
torture-survivors in the United Kingdom. Utilising an ethnographic approach,
data were collected via clinic appointment observations, interviews and
medical records and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Three themes emerged in relation to torture-survivors’ experiences of
healthcare services for pain: the patient–clinician
relationship; multiplicity of diagnoses and
treatments; lack of service integration.
Participants described limited engagement in decision-making processes
regarding their care. Lack of recognition of torture experience when
diagnosing and treating pain, alongside multiple unsuccessful treatments,
led to confusion, frustration and hopelessness. These issues were
exacerbated by the disconnect between physical and mental health
services. Conclusion: This study provides new insight into the challenges faced by
torture-survivors when accessing healthcare services for pain. Our findings
suggest current service provision is not meeting their complex needs.
Clinical implications include the need for integrated care systems and
better recognition of the influence of torture experience on persistent
pain. Strategies to engage and empower torture-survivors in the management
of their pain are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Board
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, St George's, University of London and Kingston University, London, UK
| | - Susan Childs
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Richard Boulton
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, St George's, University of London and Kingston University, London, UK
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Nordin L, Perrin S. Pre-treatment pain predicts outcomes in multimodal treatment for tortured and traumatized refugees: a pilot investigation. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2019; 10:1686807. [PMID: 31762955 PMCID: PMC6853218 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2019.1686807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Chronic pain is a common comorbid complaint in traumatized refugees seeking treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. However, the effect of comorbid pain on treatment remains under investigated. Objective: To investigate whether pre-treatment pain (severity/interference) predicts outcomes in a multimodal treatment targeting PTSD, depression, anxiety, somatic complaints, and health-related disability in refugees exposed to torture and organized violence. Additional predictors were gender, age, and number of treatment sessions. Method: Participants were active cases at a specialist outpatient clinic for tortured refugees (n = 276; 170 men, 106 women) who were either on a treatment waitlist (mean length = 7.4 months, SD = 4.5), in treatment (mean length = 12.2 months, SD = 6.5), or who completed treatment and had (or were waiting for) a follow-up assessment. Participants completed symptom measures at referral, pre- and post-treatment, and 9-month follow-up. Multi-level mixed modelling was used to assess whether outcomes at post-treatment and 9-months were predicted by pain, gender, age, or the number of treatment sessions. Results: Treatment yielded significant pre-to-post-treatment reductions in PTSD, depression, anxiety, and number of pain locations, but no reductions in pain severity/interference, or health-related disability, except for societal participation. Gains for PTSD, depression, and societal participation were maintained at the 9-month follow-up. Higher levels of pain interference (but not severity) predicted poorer outcomes (PTSD, depression, and anxiety). Age, gender and number of treatment sessions did not predict outcomes, except for a small negative effect of (older) age on PTSD. Conclusions: A growing body of literature suggests that pain and PTSD symptoms interact in ways to increase the severity and impact of both disorders in refugee and non-refugee populations alike. The present study suggests interference from pain can lessen the effectiveness of standard multi-modal treatments for refugees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Nordin
- Rehabilitation Department, DIGNITY - Danish Institute Against Torture, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sean Perrin
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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