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Lembke EJ, Linderkamp F, Casale G. Trauma-sensitive school concepts for students with a refugee background: a review of international studies. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1321373. [PMID: 38756485 PMCID: PMC11098281 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1321373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Children and adolescents with a refugee background are at high risk for traumatization. Once they arrive in safe countries, schools are the institutions where teachers are responsible for caring for them sensitively and competently. Furthermore, schools are organized in learning groups consisting of multiple peers of the same age, which provides excellent opportunities for social learning and experiences of social support. In this respect, schools are the appropriate places where preventive concepts can be applied to students with a refugee background. This systematic review summarizes studies that examine or evaluate existing international concepts of trauma-sensitive schools for supporting traumatized students with a refugee background. Based on N = 41 selected articles, 17 relevant concepts of trauma-sensitive schools were identified. In 35.3% of the concepts, traumatized students with a refugee background are explicitly included in the target group of the concept, while 47.1% of the concepts refer to groups of students with trauma as a result of various adverse childhood experiences, which also occur more frequently within the population of refugee children and adolescents 17.6% of the concepts contain specific adaptations for pupils with a refugee background. The majority of these concepts were developed in the United States. Additional concepts can be reported for Australia, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Cambodia. Based on available empirical data, no significant effectiveness regarding the researched concepts' effects on academic and other school-related data can be determined. Although some studies indicate positive effects concerning school-related target variables, most of the studies have only limited significance due to inadequate research designs and methodological deficiencies. Therefore, there is a great need for further development, careful implementation, and evaluation of trauma-sensitive concepts in schools, especially for the growing group of refugee students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva J. Lembke
- School of Education, Institute of Educational Research, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
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Bridi L, Kaki DA, Behnam R, Khan X, Albahsahli B, Bencheikh N, Aljenabi R, Ahmadi N, Dajani R, Al-Rousan T. Attitudes toward dementia and cognitive aging among Syrian refugees resettled in Jordan: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2307. [PMID: 37990313 PMCID: PMC10664261 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17183-5] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mounting evidence is revealing disparities in cognitive function and heightened dementia risk among refugees, yet research in this area remains scant. Despite bearing most of the world's refugee burden, limited-resource countries like Jordan are facing challenges when dealing with refugee health. There is a lack of research on the attitudes toward dementia and the cognitive healthcare gaps among refugees in Jordan. METHODS 32 older (≥ 55 years) Syrian refugees resettled in Jordan were recruited through a local community-based organization and interviewed in four focus groups (2 female and 2 male groups). Interviews were transcribed and translated, then coded using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Mean age of the sample was 60.1 years and 53.1% were female. Only 34.4% rated their memory as good or excellent. Themes were organized using the socioecological model: 1) At the individual level, participants believed high levels of stress, including low socioeconomic status, poor health, and traumatic history from their refugee experience increased their dementia risk. 2) Interpersonally, there is a fear of dementia due to the possible impact and burden on loved ones, particularly with the stigma surrounding dementia. 3) At the community level, participants noted that resettlement in Jordan - with a shared language, religion, and culture - offered protective effects due to facilitated access to social connection, information, and mental health self-care. 4) At the institution and policy level, participants believed older refugees faced restrictive policies for economic aid, healthcare, and employment, presenting a significant barrier to healthy aging. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study are the first to examine the attitudes of Syrian refugees in Jordan toward dementia and cognitive aging. These results could provide essential data inclusive of refugees as Jordan develops its National Dementia Plan. Investing in dementia awareness interventions and age-friendly neighborhoods may benefit aging refugees in limited-resources settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Bridi
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Dahlia A Kaki
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rawnaq Behnam
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Xara Khan
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- School of Social Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Behnan Albahsahli
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nissma Bencheikh
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Raghad Aljenabi
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- School of Social Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nargis Ahmadi
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Rana Dajani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Tala Al-Rousan
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Siddiq H, Ajrouch K, Elhaija A, Kayali N, Heilemann M. Addressing the mental health needs of older adult refugees: Perspectives of multi-sector community key informants. SSM. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH 2023; 3:100269. [PMID: 37811357 PMCID: PMC10559761 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2023.100269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ahmad Elhaija
- University of California, School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA
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Siddiq H, Alemi Q, Lee E. A Qualitative Inquiry of Older Afghan Refugee Women's Individual and Sociocultural Factors of Health and Health Care Experiences in the United States. J Transcult Nurs 2023; 34:143-150. [PMID: 36695336 DOI: 10.1177/10436596221149692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approximately 132,000 Afghans have resettled in the United States since the 1980s and are now aging. As older adults, sociocultural factors influence health and health-related behaviors. This study aimed to explore older Afghan refugee women's perceptions of individual and sociocultural factors of health and health care experiences. METHODS A focused ethnography methodology was conducted with 27 semi-structured interviews with older Afghan refugee women, family members, and community key informants in Southern California. Recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Five themes were identified as key to health promotion in the post-migration setting: (a) health promotion through Islam, (b) the centrality of family, (c) ongoing stressors that impact health, (d) needing support in navigating health services, and (e) miscommunication leading to mistrust of health care providers. DISCUSSION Health interventions should consider social and cultural contexts and faith-based and family-centered approaches when addressing older Afghan refugee women's long-term health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafifa Siddiq
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Eunice Lee
- University of California, Los Angeles, USA
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Al-Rousan T, Kamalyan L, Bernstein Sideman A, Miller B, AlHeresh R, Moore A, Marquine MJ, Argeros G, Ajrouch KJ. Migration and Cognitive Health Disparities: The Arab American and Refugee Case. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2023; 78:111-123. [PMID: 36056890 PMCID: PMC9890904 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbac129] [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: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigates whether the year of arrival to the United States (U.S.) and birthplace relate to postmigration cognitive difficulties among foreign- and U.S.-born Arab Americans in later life. METHODS We analyzed 19 years (2000-2019) of data from the American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Samples (weighted N = 393,501; ages ≥ 50 years). Cognitive difficulty was based on self-reported data, and weighted means, percentages, adjusted prevalence estimates, and adjusted odds ratio were calculated. RESULTS Controlling only for demographics, foreign-born Arabs reported higher odds of cognitive difficulty compared to U.S.-born Arabs across all arrival cohorts (p < .001). After accounting for economic and integration factors, those who arrived between 1991 and 2000 had higher odds (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.00, 1.19, p < .01), while those who arrived after 2001 had lower odds (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.78, 0.97, p < .001) of cognitive difficulty. Lacking English proficiency (OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.82, 1.98, p < .001) was related to higher odds, whereas not being a U.S. citizen was significantly associated with lower odds (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.52, 0.94, p < .001) of cognitive difficulty. Yet, results varied by birthplace. Migrants born in Iraq consistently reported the highest odds of cognitive difficulty across all arrival cohorts. DISCUSSION Migration history and birthplace may be important factors explaining cognitive disparities among the diverse group of Arab migrants and Arab Americans. Future research examining mechanisms underlying these associations and the impact of migration on cognitive health is needed to address cognitive disparities in migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tala Al-Rousan
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lily Kamalyan
- Department of Psychiatry, HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Alissa Bernstein Sideman
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Bruce Miller
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rawan AlHeresh
- Mass General Health Institute of Health Professions, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alison Moore
- Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - María J Marquine
- Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Grigoris Argeros
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA
| | - Kristine J Ajrouch
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Frounfelker RL, Mishra T, Carroll A, Brennan RT, Gautam B, Ali EAA, Betancourt TS. Past trauma, resettlement stress, and mental health of older Bhutanese with a refugee life experience. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:2149-2158. [PMID: 34396853 PMCID: PMC9386683 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1963947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Older displaced persons often receive limited attention from aid organizations, policy-makers and service providers in countries of resettlement. The objective of this study is to identify the relationship between experiencing traumatic events and stressors prior to resettlement, current resettlement stressors, social support, and mental health of older Bhutanese with a refugee life experience. METHOD Study participants were 190 older Bhutanese with a refugee life experience living in a metropolitan area in New England (US) and Ontario (Canada). We used structural equation modeling to determine the association between traumatic and stressful events in Bhutan and Nepal, current resettlement stressors, and symptoms of anxiety and depression, as measured by the GAD-7 and PHQ-9. We assessed the role of social support as an effect modifier in the relationship between these variables. RESULTS Surviving torture was associated with anxiety (p=.006), and experiencing threats to physical wellbeing in Nepal was associated with both anxiety (p=.003) and depression (p=.002). The relationship between physical threats in Nepal and current mental health were partially mediated by resettlement stressors. Social support moderated the relationship between trauma, stress, and mental health. CONCLUSION Both past traumas and current resettlement stressors contribute to the current psychosocial functioning of older Bhutanese with a refugee life experience. Based on our findings, social support is critical in promoting mental health in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rochelle L Frounfelker
- Division of Social and Transcultural Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tej Mishra
- Research Program on Children and Adversity, Boston College School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Alexa Carroll
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert T Brennan
- Research Program on Children and Adversity, Boston College School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
- Women's Study Research Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Bhuwan Gautam
- Bhutanese Society of Western Massachusetts, Inc., Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Eman Abdullahi Alas Ali
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Theresa S Betancourt
- Research Program on Children and Adversity, Boston College School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
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