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Herold R, Lieb M, Borho A, Voss A, Unverzagt S, Morawa E, Rothermund E, Erim Y. Working conditions and mental health of migrants and refugees in Europe considering cultural origin- a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:662. [PMID: 38429674 PMCID: PMC10908099 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18096-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migrants and refugees/asylum seekers, as a large part of the European work force, are often confronted with unfavorable working conditions in the host country. Main aim of this systematic review was to compare the association of these working conditions with mental health between migrants and refugees/asylum seekers due to their diverse migration experiences and cultural origins, and between different European host countries. METHODS Systematic search for eligible primary studies was conducted in three electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO and CINAHL) using quantitative study designs written in English, German, French, Italian, Polish, Spanish or Turkish and published from January 1, 2016 to October 27, 2022. Primary health outcomes were diagnosed psychiatric and psychological disorders, suicide and suicide attempts, psychiatric and psychological symptoms, and perceived distress. Secondary health outcomes were more general concepts of mental health such as well-being, life satisfaction and quality of life. Two reviewers independently completed screening, data extraction and the methodological quality assessment of primary studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale. Descriptive summary of primary studies on working conditions and their relationship with mental health were conducted, comparing migrants and refugees/asylum seekers, migrants and refugees/asylum seekers of different cultural backgrounds (collectivistic and individualistic) and migrants and refugees/asylum seekers living in different host countries. RESULTS Inclusion criteria were met by 19 primary studies. Voluntary migrants are more likely to experience overqualification in the host country than refugees. In all examined host countries, migrants and refugees suffer from unfavorable working conditions, with migrants from collectivistic countries being slightly at risk compared to migrants from individualistic countries. Most unfavorable working conditions are related to poor mental health, regardless of migrant status, cultural origin or host country. CONCLUSIONS Although the results should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of studies, it is evident that to maintain both the mental health and labor force of migrants and refugees/asylum seekers, their working conditions in host countries should be controlled and improved. Special attention should be paid to specific subgroups such as migrants from collectivistic societies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This systematic review is excluded from ethical approval because it used previously approved published data from primary studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021244840.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Herold
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Marietta Lieb
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrea Borho
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Amanda Voss
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Susanne Unverzagt
- Center of Health Sciences, Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Eva Morawa
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eva Rothermund
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Yesim Erim
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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Noda Y, Asano K, Shimizu E, Hirano Y. Assessing the association between probable posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and quality of life among emergency service workers using path analysis. Work 2024; 77:573-587. [PMID: 37718827 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency service workers have highly stressful occupations; the stressors encountered can contribute to the development of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). OBJECTIVE The present study used a conceptual model and survey to identify variables influencing the association between probable PTSD and quality of life (QOL) in emergency service workers. METHOD PTSD was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised. QOL was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Path analysis was used to determine whether stress-coping (Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced [Brief COPE] scores), social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support [MSPSS] scores), and resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale scores) explain the association between probable PTSD and QOL among 220 emergency service workers in Japan. RESULTS Impact of Event Scale-Revised scores were significantly positively associated with Brief COPE Active coping scores and significantly negatively associated with MSPSS scores. Brief COPE Active coping and MSPSS scores were significantly positively associated with Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale scores, which were in turn significantly positively associated with Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores. CONCLUSION Active coping in response to stressful situations is important for maintaining good mental health among emergency service workers. Active coping and social support may strengthen resilience, and resilience may improve QOL. Screening for mental health and QOL should include simultaneous assessment of stress-coping, social support, and resilience. Although the findings of this cross-sectional study are important, it could not confirm a causal relationship between PTSD and QOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikazu Noda
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Human Care at Makuhari, Tohto University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kenichi Asano
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Psychological Counseling, Faculty of Psychology, Mejiro University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eiji Shimizu
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development (Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui), Osaka, Japan
- Department of Cognitive Behavioral Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Hirano
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development (Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui), Osaka, Japan
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Herold R, Lieb M, Borho A, Voss A, Unverzagt S, Morawa E, Erim Y. Relationship between working conditions and mental health of migrants and refugees/asylum seekers vs. natives in Europe: a systematic review. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2023; 96:931-963. [PMID: 37439904 PMCID: PMC10361874 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-01981-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Migrants and refugees/asylum seekers make up a significant proportion of the European workforce. They often suffer from poor working conditions, which might impact mental health. The main objective of this systematic review was to summarize and analyze existing research on working conditions of migrants and refugees/asylum seekers in European host countries and compare them to those of natives. Furthermore, the relationship between working conditions and mental health of migrants/refugees/asylum seekers and natives will be compared. METHODS Three electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycInfo and CINAHL) were systematically searched for eligible articles using quantitative study designs written in English, German, French, Italian, Polish, Spanish or Turkish and published from January 1, 2016 to October 27, 2022. Primary health outcomes were diagnosed psychiatric and psychological disorders, suicide (attempts), psychiatric and psychological symptoms, and perceived distress. Secondary health outcomes were more general concepts of mental health such as well-being, life satisfaction and quality of life. Screening, data extraction and the methodological quality assessment of primary studies by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were done independently by two reviewers. The results of the primary studies were summarized descriptively. Migrants and refugees/asylum seekers were compared with natives in terms of the association between working conditions and mental health. RESULTS Migrants and refugees often face disadvantages at work concerning organizational (low-skilled work, overqualification, fixed-term contracts, shift work, lower reward levels) and social conditions (discrimination experiences) in contrast to natives. Most unfavorable working conditions are associated with worse mental health for migrants as well as for natives. CONCLUSIONS Even if the results are to be taken with caution, it is necessary to control and improve the working conditions of migrants and refugees/asylum seekers and adapt them to those of the native population to maintain their mental health and thus their labor force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Herold
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Marietta Lieb
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andrea Borho
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Amanda Voss
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Susanne Unverzagt
- Center of Health Sciences, Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Eva Morawa
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yesim Erim
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
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Vintilă M, Lăzărescu GM, Kalaitzaki A, Tudorel OI, Goian C. Fake news during the war in Ukraine: coping strategies and fear of war in the general population of Romania and in aid workers. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1151794. [PMID: 37251050 PMCID: PMC10213335 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1151794] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In addition to the health crisis that erupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the war between Russia and Ukraine is impacting the mental health and wellbeing of the Romanian population in a negative way. Objectives This study sets out to investigate the impact that social media consumption and an overload of information related to the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine is having on the distribution of fake news among Romanians. In addition, it explores the way in which several psychological features, including resilience, general health, perceived stress, coping strategies, and fear of war, change as a function of exposure to traumatic events or interaction with victims of war. Methods Participants (N = 633) completed the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), the CERQ scale with its nine subscales, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the BRS scale (Brief Resilience Scale), the last of which measures resilience. Information overload, information strain and the likelihood of the person concerned spreading fake news were assessed by adapting items related to these variables. Findings Our results suggest that information strain partially moderates the relationship between information overload and the tendency to spread false information. Also, they indicate that information strain partially moderates the relationship between time spent online and the tendency to spread false information. Furthermore, our findings imply that there are differences of high and moderate significance between those who worked with refugees and those who did not as regards fear of war and coping strategies. We found no practical differences between the two groups as regards general health, level of resilience and perceived stress. Conclusion and recommendations The importance of discovering the reasons why people share false information is discussed, as is the need to adopt strategies to combat this behavior, including infographics and games designed to teach people how to detect fake news. At the same time, aid workers need to be further supported to maintain a high level of psychological wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Vintilă
- Faculty of Sociology and Psychology, West University of Timișoara, Timișoara, Romania
| | | | - Argyroula Kalaitzaki
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Otilia Ioana Tudorel
- Faculty of Sociology and Psychology, West University of Timișoara, Timișoara, Romania
| | - Cosmin Goian
- Faculty of Sociology and Psychology, West University of Timișoara, Timișoara, Romania
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Domaradzki J, Walkowiak D, Bazan D, Baum E. Volunteering in the front line of the Ukrainian refugee crisis: A brief report from Poland. Front Public Health 2022; 10. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.979751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to analyse the experiences and motivations of volunteers who supported Ukrainian refugees who fled to Poland. Our study was conducted among 196 volunteers in Poznan, Poland who answered questions regarding their experiences with voluntary service during the current refugee crisis and the reasons they became involved in volunteer efforts. We found that although the Polish state had no prior experience in welcoming refugees on a mass scale, the Russo-Ukrainian War has resulted in the emergence of “spontaneous volunteers” who have offered their help and assistance to the flood of refugees sweeping in from its eastern neighbor. We also found that because many Polish citizens believe that helping those in need should not rest solely on the government there are two main motivations to volunteer: a general willingness to help and the willingness to volunteer on behalf of Ukrainian refugees. Finally, while this study highlights that in times of crisis, most people are primarily motivated by humanistic and democratic values, including altruism and public service, emotions also play an important role in influencing people's decision to engage in voluntary service.
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Domaradzki J, Walkowiak D, Bazan D, Baum E. Volunteering in the front line of the Ukrainian refugee crisis: A brief report from Poland. Front Public Health 2022; 10:979751. [PMID: 36249193 PMCID: PMC9557937 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.979751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to analyse the experiences and motivations of volunteers who supported Ukrainian refugees who fled to Poland. Our study was conducted among 196 volunteers in Poznan, Poland who answered questions regarding their experiences with voluntary service during the current refugee crisis and the reasons they became involved in volunteer efforts. We found that although the Polish state had no prior experience in welcoming refugees on a mass scale, the Russo-Ukrainian War has resulted in the emergence of "spontaneous volunteers" who have offered their help and assistance to the flood of refugees sweeping in from its eastern neighbor. We also found that because many Polish citizens believe that helping those in need should not rest solely on the government there are two main motivations to volunteer: a general willingness to help and the willingness to volunteer on behalf of Ukrainian refugees. Finally, while this study highlights that in times of crisis, most people are primarily motivated by humanistic and democratic values, including altruism and public service, emotions also play an important role in influencing people's decision to engage in voluntary service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Domaradzki
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland,*Correspondence: Jan Domaradzki
| | - Dariusz Walkowiak
- Department of Organization and Management in Health Care, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Dominika Bazan
- Department of Promotion and Careers, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Ewa Baum
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Josam I, Grothe S, Lüdecke D, Vonneilich N, von dem Knesebeck O. Burdening and Protective Organisational Factors among International Volunteers in Greek Refugee Camps—A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148599. [PMID: 35886458 PMCID: PMC9324479 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A majority of the workforce in the humanitarian aid consists of volunteers who partly suffer from health problems related to their voluntary service. To date, only a fraction of the current research focuses on this population. The aim of this qualitative explorative study was to identify burdening and protective organisational factors for health and well-being among humanitarian aid volunteers in a Greek refugee camp. To this end, interviews with 22 volunteers were held on site and afterwards analysed by using qualitative content analysis. We focused on international volunteers working in Greece that worked in the provision of food, material goods, emotional support and recreational opportunities. We identified burdening factors, as well as protective factors, in the areas of work procedures, team interactions, organisational support and living arrangements. Gender-specific disadvantages contribute to burdening factors, while joyful experiences are only addressed as protective factors. Additionally, gender-specific aspects in the experience of team interactions and support systems were identified. According to our findings, several possibilities for organisations to protect health and well-being of their volunteers exist. Organisations could adapt organisational structures to the needs of their volunteers and consider gender-specific factors.
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Resiliency, Stress, and Culture Shock: Findings from a Global Health Service Partnership Educator Cohort. Ann Glob Health 2021; 87:120. [PMID: 34900620 PMCID: PMC8641533 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.3387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Global health field assignments for medical and nursing professionals include a wide variety of opportunities. Many placements often involve individuals practicing in settings very different from their home environments, relying on their professional experience to help bridge cultural and clinical divides. Objectives: There is limited information about the individual factors that might lead to successful longer-term global health experiences in non-disaster settings. In this paper, we report on one cohort of health professionals’ experiences of culture shock, stress, and resiliency as volunteers within the Global Health Service Partnership (GHSP), a public-private collaboration between Seed Global Health, the US Peace Corps, and the US Presidents Plan for Emergency Aids Relief (PEPFAR) that placed American medical and nursing educators in five African countries facing a shortage of health professionals. Methods: Using the tools of Project PRIME (Psychosocial Response to International Medical Electives) as a basis, we created the GHSP Educator Support Survey to measure resiliency, stress, and culture shock levels in a cohort of GHSP volunteers during their year of service. Findings: In our sample, participants were likely to experience lower levels of resiliency during initial quarters of global health placements compared to later timepoints. However, they were likely to experience similar stress and culture shock levels across quarters. Levels of preparedness and resources available, and medical needs in the community where the volunteer was placed played a role in the levels of resiliency, stress, and culture shock reported throughout the year. Conclusion: The GHSP Educator Support Survey represented a novel attempt to evaluate the longitudinal mental well-being of medical and nursing volunteers engaged in intense, long-term global health placements in high acuity, low resource clinical and teaching settings. Our findings highlight the need for additional research in this critical area of global health.
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Carmassi C, Dell'Oste V, Bertelloni CA, Pedrinelli V, Barberi FM, Malacarne P, Dell'Osso L. Gender and occupational role differences in work-related post-traumatic stress symptoms, burnout and global functioning in emergency healthcare workers. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2021; 69:103154. [PMID: 34895972 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2021.103154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore gender and occupational role impact on work-related Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, burnout and global functioning in a sample of emergency healthcare workers. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING 126 healthcare workers of the Emergency Department, including Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Room and Emergency Medicine, of a major University Hospital in central Italy were recruited. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Participants were assessed by means of the: Trauma and Loss Spectrum-Self Report (TALS-SR) to explore Post-Traumatic Stress Spectrum Symptoms, Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) Scale to assess Compassion Satisfaction, Burnout and Compassion Fatigue and Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) to measure global functioning. RESULTS The present findings showed females were more prone to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms, particularly re-experiencing (p = .010) and hyperarousal (p = .026) symptoms and medical doctors reporting higher Burnout (p < .001) and lower Compassion Satisfaction (p = .009) mean scores than nurses. Higher levels of functioning impairment emerged amongst medical doctors rather than nurses, in both social (p = .029) and private (p = .020) leisure activities. Linear correlations highlighted relationships between the TALS-SR, ProQOL and WSAS scores. Finally, medical doctor status was significantly associated with lower Compassion Satisfaction (p = .029) and higher Burnout (p = .015). CONCLUSION Our results highlight high post-traumatic stress symptoms and burnout levels in emergency healthcare workers with a relevant impact of female gender and occupational role, supporting the need for preventive strategies, also in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valerio Dell'Oste
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | | | - Virginia Pedrinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Malacarne
- Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana (AOUP), Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Mavratza T, Adamakidou T, Apostolara P, Fasoi G, Mantzorou M, Mantoudi A, Drakopoulou M, Misouridou E. Professional Quality of Life in Greek Health Professionals Working with Refugees and Migrants. Mater Sociomed 2021; 33:94-99. [PMID: 34483735 PMCID: PMC8385739 DOI: 10.5455/msm.2021.33.94-99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Expatriation and relocation into a new cultural context constitute a psychological journey marked by exposure to potentially traumatic events, the abandonment of the homeland and the effort of seeking safety and a new beginning at all levels. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the Professional Quality of Life in Greek health professionals working with refugees and migrants. Methods: The Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL V) and a demographic and work-related characteristics questionnaire were distributed to 90 health professionals working with migrants and refugees. Results: 25.6% of participants reported high CF risk while 75.7% expressed high to moderate potential for CS. Awareness of the factors associated with CF may help health professionals to prevent or offset the development of this condition. Conclusion: A compassionate organizational culture, clinical supervision and on-going education may protect health professionals working with migrants and refugees from absorbing or internalizing unmanageable emotions which may lead to compassion fatigue and also help them to gain a deeper understanding of their communication and interactions during the emotionally laden moments of trauma care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Georgia Fasoi
- Nursing Department, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
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Heyerdahl LW, Vray M, Leger V, Le Fouler L, Antouly J, Troit V, Giles-Vernick T. Evaluating the motivation of Red Cross Health volunteers in the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042579. [PMID: 33500285 PMCID: PMC7839304 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Voluntary organisations provide essential support to vulnerable populations and front-line health responders to the COVID-19 pandemic. The French Red Cross (FRC) is prominent among organisations offering health and support services in the current crisis. Comprised primarily of lay volunteers and some trained health workers, FRC volunteers in the Paris (France) region have faced challenges in adapting to pandemic conditions, working with sick and vulnerable populations, managing limited resources and coping with high demand for their services. Existing studies of volunteers focus on individual, social and organisational determinants of motivation, but attend less to contextual ones. Public health incertitude about the COVID-19 pandemic is an important feature of this pandemic. Whether and how uncertainty interacts with volunteer understandings and experiences of their work and organisational relations to contribute to Red Cross worker motivation is the focus of this investigation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This mixed-methods study will investigate volunteer motivation using ethnographic methods and social network listening. Semi-structured interviews and observations will illuminate FRC volunteer work relations, experiences and concerns during the pandemic. A questionnaire targeting a sample of Paris region volunteers will allow quantification of motivation. These findings will iteratively shape and be influenced by a social media (Twitter) analysis of biomedical and public health uncertainties and debates around COVID-19. These tweets provide insight into a French lay public's interpretations of these debates. We evaluate whether and how socio-political conditions and discourses concerning COVID-19 interact with volunteer experiences, working conditions and organisational relations to influence volunteer motivation. Data collection began on 15 June 2020 and will continue until 15 April 2021. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocol has received ethical approval from the Institut Pasteur Institutional Review Board (no 2020-03). We will disseminate findings through peer-reviewed articles, conference presentations and recommendations to the FRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo W Heyerdahl
- Anthropology & Ecology of Disease Emergence Unit/Global Health, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Muriel Vray
- Emerging Diseases Epidemiology Unit/Global Health, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Leger
- Fondation de la Croix-Rouge francaise, Croix-Rouge francaise, Paris, France
| | | | - Julien Antouly
- Fondation de la Croix-Rouge francaise, Croix-Rouge francaise, Paris, France
| | - Virginie Troit
- Fondation de la Croix-Rouge francaise, Croix-Rouge francaise, Paris, France
| | - Tamara Giles-Vernick
- Anthropology & Ecology of Disease Emergence Unit/Global Health, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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Gemignani M, Giliberto M. Constructions of burnout, identity, and self-care in professionals working toward the psychosocial care of refugees and asylum seekers in Italy. JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTIVIST PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/10720537.2019.1700853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gemignani
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Loyola, Seville, Spain
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Hilhorst D, Hagan M, Quinn O. Reconsidering humanitarian advocacy through pressure points of the European ‘migration crisis’. INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/imig.12802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea Hilhorst
- International Institute of Social Studies Erasmus University The Hague The Netherlands
| | - Maria Hagan
- Department of Geography University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - Olivia Quinn
- Public Sector Strategist and Consultant New York NY USA
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Karrasch S, Hitzler M, Behnke A, Tumani V, Kolassa IT, Rojas R. Chronic and Traumatic Stress Among Emergency Medical Services Personnel. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KLINISCHE PSYCHOLOGIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2020. [DOI: 10.1026/1616-3443/a000600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Abstract. Background: Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are frequently confronted with multiple stressful and potentially traumatic events as well as adverse working conditions. Objective: This narrative review provides an overview of the impact of adverse mission experiences and working conditions on the mental and physical health of EMS personnel. Methods: We summarize the empirical findings on prevalence rates as well as individual vulnerability factors and resilience. Results: EMS personnel show the highest prevalence rates of stress-related health problems among first responders. The article outlines prevention and intervention approaches that contribute to maintaining and improving the mental and physical health of EMS personnel. Conclusion: In the future, further evidence-based intervention measures should be developed to adequately support this professional group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Karrasch
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Germany
| | - Melissa Hitzler
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Germany
| | - Alexander Behnke
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Germany
| | - Visal Tumani
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, Ulm University, Germany
| | - Iris-Tatjana Kolassa
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Germany
| | - Roberto Rojas
- University Psychotherapeutic Outpatient Clinic, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Germany
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Papastamatelou J, Unger A, Zachariadis A. Time Perspectives and Proneness to PTSD Among Syrian Refugees in Greece. JOURNAL OF LOSS & TRAUMA 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2020.1793552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Papastamatelou
- Institute of international management studies, University of Business and Society Ludwigshafen, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Alexander Unger
- Institute of international management studies, University of Business and Society Ludwigshafen, Ludwigshafen, Germany
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Lee W, Lee YR, Yoon JH, Lee HJ, Kang MY. Occupational post-traumatic stress disorder: an updated systematic review. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:768. [PMID: 32448255 PMCID: PMC7245752 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08903-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although numerous studies on occupational post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been conducted prior to the 1950-2010 seminal systematic review by Skogstad et al., the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of this disorder following traumatic events in occupational settings remain unclear. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by reviewing the literature published after 2010. METHODS We reviewed literature from databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar using PRISMA guidelines to identify studies that address occupational PTSD and examined the status (prevalence or incidence), the risk factors, and the health effects of PTSD among workers. RESULTS In total, 123 articles were identified, and finally, 31 (25.2%) articles were selected after excluding duplicates. Various occupational traumatic physical events were reported such as natural or manmade disaster, explosion, accident, handling refugee corpses, or bullying at work. Risk of PTSD was closely associated with working conditions, severity of injury, history of mental disorder, occurrence of psychiatric symptoms at the time of the event, personality, interpersonal relationships, etc. Workers with PTSD were likely to experience a deterioration of physical and psychological health and impairment of social and occupational functioning. CONCLUSIONS Our review suggests that many workers remain highly vulnerable to occupational PTSD and its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanhyung Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yi-Ryoung Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222, Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ha Yoon
- The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Ji Lee
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Mo-Yeol Kang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222, Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
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Jachens L. Humanitarian Aid Workers' Mental Health and Duty of Care. EUROPES JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 15:650-655. [PMID: 33680151 PMCID: PMC7909203 DOI: 10.5964/ejop.v15i4.2221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Set in challenging and complex environments, there has been growing concern about the mental health consequences of aid work. Along with existing difficulties in reducing well-known occupational risks such as exposure to trauma, there is a lack of awareness of psychosocial risks in the humanitarian sector. This paper is a discussion, drawing on occupational health perspectives, on ways to reflect on mental health policies, research and interventions in this sector.
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Impact of the Refugee Crisis on the Greek Healthcare System: A Long Road to Ithaca. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15081790. [PMID: 30127321 PMCID: PMC6121252 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15081790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Greece is the country of "Xenios Zeus", the Ancient Greek god of foreigners and hospitality; however, it is also the main point of entry to Europe. Since the beginning of 2014, 1,112,332 refugees crossed the borders of Greece. Overall, 33,677 children and adolescent refugees sought asylum in Greece from 2013 to 2017, while 57,042 refugees are currently being hosted. The rapid entry of refugees into Greece raised the critical issue of health policy. The Greek National Health Service (NHS) faces many challenges. Adequate economic and human support is essential if this situation is to be managed successfully. However, Greece still bears the burden of the economic downturn since 2009. In fact, the crisis led to shortages in crucial equipment, and unmet health needs for both locals and refugees. The NHS deals with traumatic experiences, as well as cultural and linguistic differences. Overcrowded reception centers and hotspots are highly demanding and are associated with severe disease burden. This highlights the importance of guidelines for medical screening, healthcare provision, and a well-managed transition to definitive medical facilities. Furthermore, non-governmental organizations make an essential contribution by ensuring appropriate support to refugee minors, especially when they experience poor access to the NHS.
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Mollah TN, Antoniades J, Lafeer FI, Brijnath B. How do mental health practitioners operationalise cultural competency in everyday practice? A qualitative analysis. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:480. [PMID: 29925366 PMCID: PMC6011345 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3296-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite continued policy and research emphasis to deliver culturally competent mental healthcare, there is: (1) limited evidence about what frontline practitioners consider to be culturally competent care and; (2) what helps or hinders them in delivering such care in their everyday practice. The aims of this article are to address these gaps. METHODS Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 mental health practitioners working with immigrant patients to explore their understandings and experiences of culturally competent care. Interviews were conducted between September 2015 and February 2016 in the state of Victoria, Australia. Data were thematically analysed. RESULTS There were common understandings of cultural competence but its operationalisation differed by profession, health setting, locality, and years of experience; urban psychiatrists were more functional in their approach and authoritarian in their communication with patients compared to allied health staff in non-specialist mental health settings, in rural areas, with less years of experience. Different methods of operationalising cultural competence translated into complex ways of building cultural concordance with patients, also influenced by health practitioners' own cultural background and cultural exposures. Limited access to interpreters and organisational apathy remain barriers to promoting cultural competency whereas organisational support, personal motivation, and professional resilience remain critical facilitators to sustaining cultural competency in everyday practice. CONCLUSION While there is need for widespread cultural competence teaching to all mental health professionals, this training must be specific to different professional needs, health settings, and localities of practice (rural or urban). Experiential teaching at tertiary level or professional development programs may provide an avenue to improve the status quo but a 'one-size-fits-all' model is unlikely to work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooba Noor Mollah
- Department of General Practice, School of Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Josefine Antoniades
- Division of Social Gerontology, National Ageing Research Institute Ltd, PO Box 2127, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, 3050, Australia
| | - Fathima Ijaza Lafeer
- Division of Social Gerontology, National Ageing Research Institute Ltd, PO Box 2127, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, 3050, Australia
| | - Bianca Brijnath
- Department of General Practice, School of Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia. .,Division of Social Gerontology, National Ageing Research Institute Ltd, PO Box 2127, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, 3050, Australia.
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PTSD, burnout and well-being among rescue workers: Seeking to understand the impact of the European refugee crisis on rescuers. Psychiatry Res 2018; 262:446-451. [PMID: 28923435 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Individuals who perform rescue and recovery duties, as part of their daily work activities, confront diverse stressors that can affect their mental state and overall well-being. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and the factors associated with self-assessed PTSD, perceived well-being and burnout among rescue workers operating at Lesvos during the European refugees crisis. 217 rescuers participated in the study, while the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Well-being Index (WHO-5) were utilized. The prevalence of self-assessed PTSD and perceived burnout syndrome was 17.1% and 57% respectively, while 72.8% of the rescuers reported low levels of perceived well-being. Self-assessed PTSD was positively correlated with perceived burnout and inversely correlated with perceived well-being. Perceived burnout was also inversely correlated with perceived well-being. A number of significant predictors were identified for self-assessed PTSD, perceived burnout and well-being, including: family status, age, duration of shifts, collection of dead adults or dead children bodies. The impact of the refugee crisis is visible on the rescue workers that offer rescue and first aid services. There is an urgent need for implementing effective interventions focusing on the identified determinants in order to enhance the occupational psychological burden of rescuers.
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