1
|
de Montgomery CJ, Cullen AE, Taipale H, Krasnik A, Norredam M, Mittendorfer-Rutz E. Incidence of non-affective psychotic disorders in refugees and peers growing up in Denmark and Sweden: a registry linkage study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:1153-1165. [PMID: 37919440 PMCID: PMC11178564 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02578-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Higher rates of non-affective psychotic disorders (NAPD) in minority groups have been reported in many countries. However, few studies have explored how rates differ between refugees and other minority groups and none with an international comparative angle. A comparative perspective makes it possible to relate group differences to aspects national context that underpin the social determinants of disease. METHODS We compared the incidence of treated NAPD among youth born in or who immigrated to Denmark/Sweden before turning 18. Youth aged 18-35 during 2006-2018 were included (NDenmark/NSweden = 1,606,423/2,614,721) and were followed until first NAPD treatment (cases [Denmark/Sweden] = 12,193/9,641), 36th birthday, emigration or death. Incidence rates (IR) and ratios (IRR) comparing refugees, non-refugee migrants, descendants of non-refugee migrants and majority youth were obtained through Poisson regression on data aggregated by country, sex and age, contrasted by sex and country. Complementary analyses on individual-level data adjusting for further socio-demographic factors were conducted in each country separately. RESULTS Incidence rates were higher in all groups compared with the majority group (IRRrange = 1.4-2.9, 95% CI[min, max] = 1.2-3.1). Relative differences between the three minority groups were smaller (IRRrange = 0.7-1.0, 95% CI[min, max] = 0.5-1.2). Although incidence rates were higher in Denmark than Sweden, relative group differences were similar. CONCLUSION Exposures shared between young refugees and other minority groups growing up in Denmark and Sweden may be especially important for their excess risk of NAPD. Further studies should investigate the mechanisms behind the elevated rates in minority groups with special paid attention to factors such as discrimination, social exclusion and acculturation stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J de Montgomery
- Department of Public Health, Danish Research Centre for Migration, Ethnicity and Health (MESU), University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Insurance Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Alexis E Cullen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Insurance Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Heidi Taipale
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Insurance Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Allan Krasnik
- Department of Public Health, Danish Research Centre for Migration, Ethnicity and Health (MESU), University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Norredam
- Department of Public Health, Danish Research Centre for Migration, Ethnicity and Health (MESU), University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section of Immigrant Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ellenor Mittendorfer-Rutz
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Insurance Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Section for Science of Complex Systems, CeMSIIS, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gubi E, Hollander AC, Bäärnhielm S. "I had no idea there were psychiatric clinics for children": A qualitative study of how migrant parents reach Swedish mental health services for their children. Transcult Psychiatry 2024:13634615241250203. [PMID: 38780532 DOI: 10.1177/13634615241250203] [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] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Migrant children have repeatedly been shown to underutilize psychiatric services and to face barriers to care, yet few studies have examined the experience of migrant parents who are successful in their help-seeking efforts for their children's mental health. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of facilitators and obstacles to reaching care among migrant parents in contact with child psychiatric services. We explored how migrant parents in Stockholm, Sweden, experienced the process of reaching child mental health services. Participants were recruited from out-patient mental health clinics. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted; qualitative analysis of transcripts was undertaken using thematic content analysis. Parents described a desire to reach services but difficulties doing so on their own. We identified a strong dependence on referring agents, such as schools and child health centers, for parents to gain contact. Informants expressed a high degree of trust toward these agents. Contrary to previous studies, stigma was not described as an obstacle to help-seeking but was recognized by informants as a potential barrier to care had they not emigrated. Although participants in our study had differing educational backgrounds and residency times in Sweden, a common experience of reliance on others for reaching services was evident in the data. Our findings highlight the role of referring agents as bridging contacts between different welfare services. Understanding the specific local resources and services that are available to migrant parents, and strengthening these across different sectors, could potentially help reduce barriers to care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ester Gubi
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Sofie Bäärnhielm
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet (KI) and Transcultural Centre, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Krzyż EZ, Antunez Martinez OF, Lin HR. Uses of Andersen health services utilization framework to determine healthcare utilization for mental health among migrants-a scoping review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1284784. [PMID: 38170142 PMCID: PMC10761300 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1284784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Migration is a worldwide occurrence that carries significant implications for healthcare systems, and it entails challenges to mental healthcare. The Andersen Behavioral Model is widely used by researchers to determine healthcare service utilization among many populations, including migrants. Our study aimed to explore the ways of using the Andersen Health System Utilization Framework in the literature to discover the utilization of mental healthcare by migrants. Methods This scoping review was based on Arksey and O'Malley's framework. A comprehensive search was performed across five electronic databases. Results A total of 12 articles from January 1992 to July 2023 identified various versions of the Andersen Behavioral Model to provide an overview of mental health services utilization among migrants. The analysis identified four significant trends in the literature. First, there is a predominant focus on individual characteristics over contextual factors. Second, researchers tend to integrate multiple versions of the Andersen Behavioral Model, and the most is the version from 1995. Third, additional factors specific to migrant populations are incorporated into the model, but the categorization is sometimes unclear. Finally, the majority of studies have used a quantitative approach and are based in North America, suggesting a focus on the significance of mental health in migrant communities in that context. Conclusion In summary, our scoping review calls for further research using the Andersen Behavioral Model to study mental healthcare utilization among migrants. Notable findings include the adaptation of the model to migrant populations, a focus on individual characteristics, a need for more diverse research methods, and the proposal of a new conceptual model to guide research and policy development in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Zuzanna Krzyż
- PhD Program, School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Hung-Ru Lin
- School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marti-Castaner M, Hvidtfeldt C, Fredsted Villadsen S, Pagh Pedersen T, Elsenburg LK, Norredam M. Infants born to first-time mothers with a refugee background faced an increased risk of regulatory problems. Acta Paediatr 2023; 112:2541-2550. [PMID: 37548569 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study investigated the association between mothers' migration background and infant regulatory problems and analysed the mediating role of maternal mental health. We also explored whether the child's sex, parity and length of residence moderated the effect of a maternal migrant background. METHODS Child health surveillance data from the Danish home visiting programme were used. Community health nurses followed infants from birth to 12 months of age. The source population comprised 103 813 infants born between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2018. The final sample comprised 62 964 infants, including 3.4% with a refugee background. A maternal migrant background was the primary exposure. The results are presented as risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS A maternal refugee background increased the risk of regulatory problems in offspring (RR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.18-1.51). The effect was partially mediated by maternal postpartum mental health concerns. The association between maternal refugee background and infant regulatory problems was more pronounced in first-time mothers (RR 1.80, 95% CI: 1.51-2.15). CONCLUSION The risk of infant regulatory problems was higher in the first-born children of refugee mothers. First-time refugee parents may need tailored support to identify mental health needs and infants with regulatory problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Marti-Castaner
- Department of Public Health, Section of Health Services Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Sarah Fredsted Villadsen
- Department of Public, Health, Section of Social Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Trine Pagh Pedersen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Leonie K Elsenburg
- Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Norredam
- Department of Public Health, Section of Health Services Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Moseholm E, Ameri S, Storgaard M, Pedersen G, Johansen IS, Katzenstein TL, Weis N. Psychiatric Diagnoses Among HIV-Exposed and HIV-Unexposed Uninfected Children: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2023; 37:469-479. [PMID: 37862077 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0104] [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: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This nationwide registry-based cohort study aimed to compare the risk of psychiatric diagnoses among HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children with a matched comparison group of HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU) children, born in Denmark. We hypothesized that HEU children had an increased risk of psychiatric diagnoses and that this increased risk may differ by sex and age. All HEU children born in Denmark between year 2000 and 2020 were included. Each HEU child was matched by year of birth, maternal age at birth, and maternal immigration status to 10 HUU children. The primary outcome was risk of any psychiatric diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision F00-F99). Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated using Poisson regression. Analyses stratifying by sex and age were also conducted. In total, 550 HEU children and 5500 HUU children were included. HEU children had an increased risk of any psychiatric disorder [IRR 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-2.04] in the unadjusted analysis, but in the adjusted analysis, the risk was only significant for children aged 6-11 years [adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 1.93; 95% CI: 1.14-3.28]. Stratifying by sex, girls aged 6-11 years had an increased risk of any psychiatric disorder (aIRR 3.04; 95% CI: 1.27-7.28), while boys had an increased risk at age 12-20 years (aIRR 2.47; 95% CI: 1.18-5.17). In conclusion, HEU girls aged 6-11 years and HEU boys aged 12-20 years had an increased risk of any psychiatric disorder compared with HUU girls and boys, respectively. These findings highlight the importance of addressing the mental health needs of HEU children/adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Moseholm
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sammy Ameri
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Merete Storgaard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
| | - Gitte Pedersen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Isik S Johansen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Terese L Katzenstein
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nina Weis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Foverskov E, White JS, Norredam M, Frøslev T, Kim MH, Glymour MM, Pedersen L, Sørensen HT, Hamad R. Neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage and psychiatric disorders among refugees: a population-based, quasi-experimental study in Denmark. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023; 58:711-721. [PMID: 35597890 PMCID: PMC9676407 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02300-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Refugees are vulnerable to psychiatric disorders because of risk factors linked to migration. Limited evidence exist on the impact of the neighbourhood in which refugee resettle. We examined whether resettling in a socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhood increased refugees' risk of psychiatric disorders. METHODS This register-based cohort study included 42,067 adults aged 18 years and older who came to Denmark as refugees during 1986-1998. Resettlement policies in those years assigned refugees in a quasi-random fashion to neighbourhoods across the country. A neighbourhood disadvantage index was constructed using neighbourhood-level data on income, education, unemployment, and welfare receipt. Main outcomes were psychiatric diagnoses and psychiatric medication usage ascertained from nationwide patient and prescription drug registers, with up to 30-year follow-up. Associations of neighbourhood disadvantage with post-migration risk of psychiatric disorders were examined using Cox proportional hazards and linear probability models adjusted for individual, family, and municipality characteristics. RESULTS The cumulative risk of psychiatric diagnoses and medication was 13.7% and 46.1%, respectively. Refugees' risk of psychiatric diagnoses and psychiatric medication usage was higher among individuals assigned to high-disadvantage compared with low-disadvantage neighbourhoods in analyses including fixed effects for assigned municipality (psychiatric diagnoses: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.14, 95% CI 1.04, 1.25; psychiatric medication: HR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.00, 1.11). Consistent results were found using linear probability models. Results for diagnostic categories and subclasses of medications suggested that the associations were driven by neurotic and stress-related disorders and use of anxiolytic medications. CONCLUSION Resettlement in highly disadvantaged neighbourhoods was associated with an increase in refugees' risk of psychiatric disorders, suggesting that targeted placement of newly arrived refugees could benefit refugee mental health. The results contribute quasi-experimental evidence to support links between neighbourhood characteristics and health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Else Foverskov
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Section of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Justin S White
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marie Norredam
- Danish Research Centre for Migration, Department of Public Health, Ethnicity and Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Trine Frøslev
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Min Hee Kim
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - M Maria Glymour
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lars Pedersen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henrik T Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Clinical Excellence Research Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rita Hamad
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Foverskov E, White JS, Frøslev T, Sørensen HT, Hamad R. Risk of Psychiatric Disorders Among Refugee Children and Adolescents Living in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods. JAMA Pediatr 2022; 176:1107-1114. [PMID: 36094528 PMCID: PMC9468942 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.3235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Importance Refugee children and adolescents are at increased risk of mental health difficulties, but little is known about how the characteristics of the neighborhood in which they resettle may affect vulnerability and resilience. Objective To test whether neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with risk of psychiatric disorders among refugee children and adolescents and examine whether the association differs by sex, age at arrival, and family structure. Design, Setting, and Participants This quasi-experimental register-based cohort study included refugees in Denmark aged 0 to 16 years at the time of resettlement from 1986 to 1998. A refugee dispersal policy implemented during those years assigned housing to refugee families in neighborhoods with varying degrees of socioeconomic disadvantage in a quasi-random (ie, arbitrary) manner conditional on refugee characteristics observed by placement officers. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association between neighborhood disadvantage and risk of psychiatric disorders, adjusting for relevant baseline covariates. Exposures A neighborhood disadvantage index combining information on levels of income, education, unemployment, and welfare assistance in the refugees' initial quasi-randomly assigned neighborhood. Main Outcomes and Measures First-time inpatient or outpatient diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder before age 30 years. Results Median (IQR) baseline age in the sample of 18 709 refugee children and adolescents was 7.9 (4.7-11.7) years; 8781 participants (46.9%) were female and 9928 (53.1%) were male. During a median (IQR) follow-up period of 16.1 (10.2-20.8) years, 1448 refugees (7.7%) were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder (incidence rate, 51.2 per 10 000 person-years). An increase of 1 SD in neighborhood disadvantage was associated with an 11% increase in the hazard of a psychiatric disorders (hazard ratio [HR], 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03-1.21). This association did not differ between male and female individuals, refugees who arrived at different ages, or those from single- vs dual-parent households. In secondary analyses using prescribed psychiatric medication as the outcome, a similar association with neighborhood disadvantage was found (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03-1.14). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, neighborhood disadvantage was associated with an increase in risk of psychiatric disorders. The results suggest that placement of refugee families in advantaged neighborhoods and efforts to enhance the neighborhood context in disadvantaged areas may improve mental health among refugee children and adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Else Foverskov
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Justin S. White
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Trine Frøslev
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henrik T. Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Clinical Excellence Research Center, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Rita Hamad
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zheng M, Chen F, Pan Y, Kong D, Renzaho AMN, Sahle BW, Mahumud RA, Ling L, Chen W. Trends and Impact Factors of Mental Health Service Utilization among Resettled Humanitarian Migrants in Australia: Findings from the BNLA Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10119. [PMID: 36011758 PMCID: PMC9408151 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Resettled humanitarian migrants (HMs) have high levels of mental disorders, but factors associated with the utilization of mental health services (MHS) are poorly understood. We aimed to explore trends and impact factors of MHS utilization among HMs in the process of resettlement in Australia. A total of 2311 HMs from the 1st (2013), 3rd, and 5th (2018) waves of a national cohort study were included. MHS utilization in the past year was assessed by two indicators: having MHS contacts and the frequency of MHS contacts. Trends were identified by Cochran-Armitage tests, and generalized linear mixed models and ordered logistic models were fitted to explore impact factors of MHS utilization. The proportion of having MHS contacts significantly rose from 13.0% to 29.4% over the five years. MHS utilization was mainly driven by perceived needs, such as post-traumatic stress disorders and the degree of post-migration stress. Unemployment and strong belongingness to the local community were also associated with having MHS contacts. No significant gender difference was found in having MHS contacts but females tended to contact MHS more frequently. Resettled HMs have a persistent dilemma of high mental illness prevalence and MHS underutilization. Sustainable mental health education and long-term resettlement services targeted at social integration that consider gender difference are urgently needed in host countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zheng
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yan Pan
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Di Kong
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Andre M. N. Renzaho
- School of Medicine, Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2751, Australia
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Berhe W. Sahle
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC 3125, Australia
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Alfred Health Partnership, Institute for Health Transformation, Melbourne, VIC 3125, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Rashidul Alam Mahumud
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
| | - Li Ling
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Are all children treated equally? Psychiatric care and treatment receipt among migrant, descendant and majority Swedish children: a register-based study. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2022; 31:e20. [PMID: 35438074 PMCID: PMC9069577 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796022000142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Underutilisation of mental health services among migrant youth has been demonstrated repeatedly, but little is known about potential discrepancies in terms of treatment receipt for those who do reach services. This study examines the type and level of care received among migrant children and descendants of migrants, particularly investigating disparities in treatment receipt given a specific diagnosis. METHODS We used register data of the total population aged 6-17 years in Stockholm, followed from 2006 to 2015, comprising 444 196 individuals, categorised as refugees, non-refugee migrants, descendants of migrants and Swedish-born. To identify recommended treatments for specific diagnoses we used official clinical guidelines. We report logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of diagnosis receipt, treatment provision and level of care where a diagnosis was first registered. RESULTS Migrant children had a lower likelihood of receiving a wide range of psychiatric diagnoses, including mood disorder (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.52-0.64), anxiety disorder (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.57-69) and neurodevelopmental disorder (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.55-0.63). Moreover, when these diagnoses were set, migrant children had a lower likelihood of receiving the recommended treatments for these conditions compared to the majority individuals with the same diagnosis (OR of receiving psychotherapy for anxiety disorder and depression: 0.71; 95% CI 0.62-0.95 and 0.50; 95% CI 0.33-0.75, respectively; OR for receiving ADHD-medication: 0.49; 95% CI 0.43-0.54). CONCLUSIONS Migrant children risk underdiagnosis of various mental health conditions, and, when reaching mental health services, risk not receiving the optimal care available.
Collapse
|
10
|
Berg L, Brendler-Lindquist M, de Montgomery E, Mittendorfer-Rutz E, Hjern A. Parental Posttraumatic Stress and School Performance in Refugee Children. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:138-147. [PMID: 34275166 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Refugee children in the Nordic countries have been reported to perform poorly in school and carry a high burden of familial posttraumatic stress. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of maternal and paternal posttraumatic stress on the school performance of refugee children. We used national register data on school grades at age 15-16 along with demographic and migration indicators during 2011-2017 in a population of 18,831 children in refugee families in Stockholm County, Sweden. Parental posttraumatic stress was identified in regional data from three levels of care, including a tertiary treatment center for victims of torture and war. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were fitted to analyze (a) mean grade point averages as Z scores and (b) eligibility for upper secondary school. In fully adjusted models, children exposed to paternal posttraumatic stress had a lower mean grade point average, SD = -0.14, 95% CI [-0.22, -0.07], and higher odds of not being eligible for upper secondary education, OR = 1.37, 95% CI [1.14, 1.65]. Maternal posttraumatic stress had a similar crude effect on school performance, SD = -0.15, 95% CI [-0.22, -0.07], OR = 1.25, 95% CI [1.00, 1.55], which was attenuated after adjusting for single-parent households and the use of child psychiatric services. The effects were similar for boys and girls as well as for different levels of care. Parental posttraumatic stress had a small negative effect on school performance in refugee children, adding to the intergenerational consequences of psychological trauma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Berg
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Health Equity Studies, Stockholm University/Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Edith de Montgomery
- Department of Public Health, Danish Institute for Migration, Ethnicity, and Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Anders Hjern
- Centre for Health Equity Studies, Stockholm University/Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Parental post-traumatic stress and psychiatric care utilisation among refugee adolescents. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 31:1953-1962. [PMID: 34146175 PMCID: PMC9663346 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01827-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Parental psychiatric morbidity related to experiences of war and trauma has been associated with adverse psychological outcomes for children. The aim of this study was to investigate parental post-traumatic stress in relation to psychiatric care utilization among children of refugees with particular attention on the child's own refugee status, sex of both child and parents, and specific psychiatric diagnoses. This was a register study in a population of 16 143 adolescents from refugee families in Stockholm County born 1995-2000 and followed between 2011 and 2017 (11-18 years old). Parental post-traumatic stress, identified in three levels of care, was analysed in relation to child and adolescent psychiatric care use. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for duration of residence and demographic and socioeconomic variables. Having a mother with post-traumatic stress was associated with higher psychiatric care utilization, with adjusted HR 2.44 (95% CI 1.90-3.14) among foreign-born refugee children and HR 1.77 (1.33-2.36) among Swedish-born children with refugee parents, with particularly high risks for children with less than five years of residence (HR 4.03; 2.29-7.10) and for diagnoses of anxiety and depression (HR 2.71; 2.11-3.48). Having a father with post-traumatic stress was not associated with increased HRs of psychiatric care utilization. Similar results were seen for boys and girls. Treatment for post-traumatic stress should be made available in refugee reception programmes. These programmes should use a family approach that targets both parents and children.
Collapse
|
12
|
Mental health service use among migrant and Swedish-born children and youth: a register-based cohort study of 472,129 individuals in Stockholm. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:161-171. [PMID: 34319406 PMCID: PMC8761127 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-021-02145-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Migrant children underutilize mental health services (MHS), but differences according to age, reason for migration, type of problem, and time have not been thoroughly analyzed. We aimed to explore utilization of MHS among migrant children and youth and to study if the hypothesized lower utilization could be explained by fewer neurodevelopmental assessments. METHODS A cohort of the population aged 0-24 years in Stockholm, comprising 472,129 individuals were followed for maximum 10 years, between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2015. We categorized individuals as accompanied refugee migrants, unaccompanied refugee migrants and non-refugee migrants, or Swedish-born. We used survival and logistic analyses to estimate rates of utilization of MHS. RESULTS Migrant children and youth utilized less MHS than the majority population, with hazard ratios ranging from 0.62 (95% CI: 0.57; 0.67) to 0.72 (95% CI: 0.69; 0.76). Refugee and non-refugee children utilized less mental health care than their Swedish peers, apart from the youngest refugees (0-10 years) who had similar utilization as Swedish-born. The lower rates were partly explained by all migrant youths' lower risk of being diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental condition. Time in Sweden had a major impact, such that unaccompanied refugee minors had a higher utilization in their first 2 years in Sweden (OR: 3.39, 95% CI: 2.96; 3.85). CONCLUSION Migrant youth use less MHS compared with native-born peers, and this is partly explained by fewer neurodevelopmental diagnoses. Strengthening the awareness about unmet needs, and the referring capacity by professionals in contact with migrant children could help reduce barriers to care.
Collapse
|
13
|
Dunlavy A, Gauffin K, Berg L, De Montgomery CJ, Europa R, Eide K, Ascher H, Hjern A. Health outcomes in young adulthood among former child refugees in Denmark, Norway and Sweden: A cross-country comparative study. Scand J Public Health 2021:14034948211031408. [PMID: 34304618 DOI: 10.1177/14034948211031408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed at comparing several health outcomes in young adulthood among child refugees who settled in the different immigration and integration policy contexts of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. METHODS The study population included refugees born between 1972 and 1997 who immigrated before the age of 18 and settled in the three Nordic countries during 1986-2005. This population was followed up in national registers during 2006-2015 at ages 18-43 years and was compared with native-born majority populations in the same birth cohorts using sex-stratified and age-adjusted regression analyses. RESULTS Refugee men in Denmark stood out with a consistent pattern of higher risks for mortality, disability/illness pension, psychiatric care and substance misuse relative to native-born majority Danish men, with risk estimates being higher than comparable estimates observed among refugee men in Norway and Sweden. Refugee men in Sweden and Norway also demonstrated increased risks relative to native-born majority population men for inpatient psychiatric care, and in Sweden also for disability/illness pension. With the exception of increased risk for psychotic disorders, outcomes among refugee women were largely similar to or better than those of native-born majority women in all countries. CONCLUSIONS The observed cross-country differences in health indicators among refugees, and the poorer health outcomes of refugee men in Denmark in particular, may be understood in terms of marked differences in Nordic integration policies. However, female refugees in all three countries had better relative health outcomes than refugee men did, suggesting possible sex differentials that warrant further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Dunlavy
- Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Sweden
| | - Karl Gauffin
- Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Sweden
| | - Lisa Berg
- Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Sweden
| | - Christopher Jamil De Montgomery
- Danish Research Centre for Migration, Ethnicity and Health (MESU), Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ryan Europa
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway
| | - Ketil Eide
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway
| | - Henry Ascher
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.,Research Department, Angered Hospital, Sweden
| | - Anders Hjern
- Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Sweden.,Department of Medicine, Clinical Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|