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Parviainen H, Kiviruusu O, Lämsä R, Skogberg N, Castaneda AE, Santalahti P. Psychiatric symptoms and the association with parents' psychiatric symptoms among recently arrived asylum-seeking children in Finland. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023; 54:1699-1709. [PMID: 35587841 PMCID: PMC10582122 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01371-2] [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: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study examined psychiatric symptoms and the association with parents' psychiatric symptoms among recently arrived accompanied asylum-seeking children in the age groups of 2-6 years (n = 93) and 7-12 years (n = 91). Children and parents were assessed using mental health and trauma measures (SDQ, HSCL-25 and PROTECT). The prevalence of total difficulties was 34.9% among 2-6-year-olds and 29.6% among 7-12-year-olds. The most common symptoms in both age groups were peer problems, followed by conduct problems among 2-6-year-olds and emotional symptoms among 7-12-year-olds. In both age groups, the children's emotional symptoms were associated with the parents' anxiety and depression as well as the trauma symptoms, while the conduct problems were only associated with the parents' trauma symptoms. In conclusion, peer problems as well as conduct problems and emotional symptoms are common among recently arrived asylum-seeking children. To support the mental health of these children, both children and parents need adequate support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Parviainen
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku, FI-20014, Turku, Finland.
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Olli Kiviruusu
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Lämsä
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Natalia Skogberg
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anu E Castaneda
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Santalahti
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Measuring the Optimal Time Interval Between Arrival and First Mental Health Evaluation's for Refugees in Québec: A Scoping Review. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2023:10.1007/s10488-023-01257-y. [PMID: 36881163 PMCID: PMC9989567 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-023-01257-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
To map the state of the existing literature to identify the optimal time frame between the arrival of refugees in a host country and psychosocial assessments. We conducted scoping review using the method of Arksey and O'Malley (2005). A systematic search of 5 databases including PubMed, Psycinfo (OVID), PsycINFO BD APA, Scopus and Web of Sciences) and grey literature identified 2698 references. Thirteen studies published between 2010 and 2021 were considered eligible. A data extraction grid was designed and tested by the research team. It is not so ease to identify the most appropriate time interval to assess the mental health of newly settled refugees. All the studies selected agree on the need to carry out an initial assessment when refugees arrive in their host country. Several authors agree on the need to carry out screening at least twice during the resettlement period. However, what is less clear is the best time to perform the second screening. This scoping review mainly helped in highlighting the lack of probing data on the mental health indicators focused on during the assessment and on the optimal timeline for the assessment of refugees. Further research is needed to determine whether developmental and psychological screening is beneficial, the right time to perform the screening, and the most appropriate collection instruments and interventions.
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Sanchez Clemente N, Cinardo P, Ward A, Longley N, Harkensee C, Eisen S. A Whole-child, whole-family approach to health assessments for asylum-seeking children. BMJ Paediatr Open 2022; 6:10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001575. [PMID: 36645766 PMCID: PMC9693674 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2020, 21% of people who sought asylum in the UK were children. This population has complex interconnecting health and social needs. Assessment requires a holistic approach, with consideration of physical and mental health in addition to social and developmental well-being, within the whole family group. A trauma-informed life-cycle and intergenerational care approach is important. This article, aimed at all health professionals who may work with asylum-seeking families, outlines the best practice principles for undertaking health assessments in migrant children and young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Sanchez Clemente
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, St George's University, London, UK.,Paediatrics, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Paola Cinardo
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Allison Ward
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK .,Community Child Health, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust Children's Services, London, UK.,Universal Children's Services (Camden), Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nicky Longley
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospital, London, UK.,Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Sarah Eisen
- Paediatrics, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospital, London, UK
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Venta A, Cuervo M, Bautista A, Walker J. A strong contender for mental health screening in Latinx immigrant youth: Psychometric properties of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Psychiatry Res 2022; 316:114780. [PMID: 35988327 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114780] [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: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Latinx youth seeking asylum in the U.S. experience mental health disparity due to exposure to trauma and adversity. Health systems and schools in the U.S. are unprepared to screen for psychopathology in this population, much of which is mono-lingual Spanish-speaking, due to the absence of psychometrically-vetted instruments. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) has strong empirical support as a mental health screener in other demographics. However, there has been no psychometric research in Spanish-speaking immigrant youth and, therefore, the utility in this population remains unknown. The aims of the current study were to examine the SDQ's (a) internal structure, (b) factor structure, (c) test-retest reliability, and (d) concurrent validity. Results are based on N = 110 recently immigrated high school students (60% male, Mage = 19) who completed the SDQ in Spanish. Findings provided support for the Total Score, which displayed evidence of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity with the Child Behavior Checklist. However, support for the use of the SDQ's subscale scores was limited. In sum, the SDQ Total Score holds promise as a screening instrument for recently immigrated Latinx youth in clinical, health, and educational settings, and use of the subscales requires future research and refinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Venta
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Maria Cuervo
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ashley Bautista
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jesse Walker
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, Houston, TX, USA
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Klas J, Grzywacz A, Kulszo K, Grunwald A, Kluz N, Makaryczew M, Samardakiewicz M. Challenges in the Medical and Psychosocial Care of the Paediatric Refugee-A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10656. [PMID: 36078371 PMCID: PMC9517743 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After the invasion of Ukraine, neighbouring countries were forced to find systemic solutions to provide medical care to those fleeing the war, including children, as soon as possible. In order to do this, it is necessary to know the communication problems with refugee minors and find proposals for their solutions. METHODS A systematic review of the literature from 2016 to 2022 was conducted according to PRISMA criteria. RESULTS Linguistic diversity and lack of professional readiness of teachers are the main constraints hindering the assistance of refugee children in schools. Problems during hospitalization include lack of continuity of medical care and lack of retained medical records. Solutions include the use of the 3C model (Communication, Continuity of care, Confidence) and the concept of a group psychological support program. CONCLUSIONS In order to provide effective assistance to refugee minors, it is necessary to create a multidisciplinary system of care. It is hoped that the lessons learned from previous experiences will provide a resource to help refugee host countries prepare for a situation in which they are forced to provide emergency assistance to children fleeing war.
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Magwood O, Kassam A, Mavedatnia D, Mendonca O, Saad A, Hasan H, Madana M, Ranger D, Tan Y, Pottie K. Mental Health Screening Approaches for Resettling Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063549. [PMID: 35329237 PMCID: PMC8953108 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Refugees and asylum seekers often face delayed mental health diagnoses, treatment, and care. COVID-19 has exacerbated these issues. Delays in diagnosis and care can reduce the impact of resettlement services and may lead to poor long-term outcomes. This scoping review aims to characterize studies that report on mental health screening for resettling refugees and asylum seekers pre-departure and post-arrival to a resettlement state. We systematically searched six bibliographic databases for articles published between 1995 and 2020 and conducted a grey literature search. We included publications that evaluated early mental health screening approaches for refugees of all ages. Our search identified 25,862 citations and 70 met the full eligibility criteria. We included 45 publications that described mental health screening programs, 25 screening tool validation studies, and we characterized 85 mental health screening tools. Two grey literature reports described pre-departure mental health screening. Among the included publications, three reported on two programs for women, 11 reported on programs for children and adolescents, and four reported on approaches for survivors of torture. Programs most frequently screened for overall mental health, PTSD, and depression. Important considerations that emerged from the literature include cultural and psychological safety to prevent re-traumatization and digital tools to offer more private and accessible self-assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Magwood
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 University Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 7K4, Canada
| | - Azaad Kassam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
- Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre, 1365 Richmond Rd #2, Ottawa, ON K2B 6R7, Canada
- Ottawa Newcomer Health Centre, 291 Argyle, Ottawa, ON K2P 1B8, Canada
| | - Dorsa Mavedatnia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (D.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Oreen Mendonca
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
| | - Ammar Saad
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 5B2, Canada
| | - Hafsa Hasan
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 3M6, Canada
| | - Maria Madana
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (D.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Dominique Ranger
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
| | - Yvonne Tan
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Queen’s University, 99 University Ave, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Kevin Pottie
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
- Department of Family Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Correspondence:
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