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Santambrogio J, Cimminiello N, Wisidagamage Don P, Leon E, Miragliotta E, Capuzzi E, Colmegna F, Clerici M. Influence of post-migration living difficulties on mental health among refugees and asylum seekers: A scoping-review on clinical tools. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2024:207640241251748. [PMID: 39049583 DOI: 10.1177/00207640241251748] [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: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The literature indicates an increasing interest in the mental health of refugees (R) and asylum seekers (AS) - particularly how it could be affected by previous exposure to trauma and violence - but less has been written about the issues they are forced to face during the post-migration period and how these also can affect mental health. Research shows that the mental health of R/AS is highly influenced by their post-migration conditions and may deteriorate due to post-migration social health-related determinants; in addition, a lack of language skills, discrimination, separation from family, poverty, and other stressors can contribute to social isolation. The difficulty in asking for help in case of psychological distress and, consequently, in accessing care, contributes to the worsening of their clinical condition. AIMS The primary purpose of this study is to identify and provide a review of the clinical tools used to screen migrants (R/AS) at risk of developing psychological distress, identifying post-migration difficulties. METHODS We searched studies in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane (Central), and Cinahl (ultimate) with the last search on 14 April 2023, using a combination of keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). RESULTS Our systematic search identified 1,878 records. After removing duplicates, we screened 1,238 records by title and abstract, retaining 97 for full text review. Of these, 68 met full eligibility criteria (1995-2023). A total of 30 social scales have been identified, as well as structured or semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. Translated into multiple languages, the tools can be self-administered or administered by trained professionals. PMLD is known for its effectiveness in evaluating the post-migration period and predicting mental health issues. CONCLUSIONS Considering the limited number of studies and, consequently, the limited number of tools found, it can be inferred that not enough attention is given to post-migration in the broader sense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Santambrogio
- Presidio 'G. Corberi', Mental Health and Addiction Department, ASST Brianza, Limbiate, Italy
- RSD "Beato Papa Giovanni XXIII", Mental Health and Addiction Department, ASST Brianza, Limbiate, Italy
| | - Noemi Cimminiello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Leon
- Mental Health and Addiction Department, IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Elena Miragliotta
- Mental Health and Addiction Department, IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Enrico Capuzzi
- Mental Health and Addiction Department, IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Colmegna
- Mental Health and Addiction Department, IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Massimo Clerici
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Mental Health and Addiction Department, IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
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Hadding C, Semb O, Lehti A, Fahlström M, Sandlund M, DeMarinis V. Being in-between; exploring former cult members' experiences of an acculturation process using the cultural formulation interview (DSM-5). Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1142189. [PMID: 37779627 PMCID: PMC10534031 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1142189] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the experiences of acculturation into secular Swedish society of former members of cults, with particular focus on mental health, needs and resources. Design Qualitative method using the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) from the DSM-5 as an interview guide. Analysis of participants' experiences of acculturation through systematic text condensation. Participants Eleven Swedish former members of ideological or religion-based cults. Setting Swedish mainstream, secular society. Results Former cult members experience an 'in-between time' in the period after leaving the cult and find themselves in a confusing, chaotic state. They describe having lived in an honor culture where acts of violence were normalized. In the cult, they felt disconnected from themselves, and post-cult they try to regain access to their own values and feelings as well as create new bonds with family members and friends outside the cult. They find it hard to talk about their cult background and find relief in communicating with other former cult members. In their post-cult life, they eventually start seeing the world in a brighter, more hopeful way than before. However, they are also at risk of re-experiencing cult-related traumatic events and of new traumatic experiences within the post-cult acculturation process, and of persistent psychological distress. Conclusion Former cult members face a challenging acculturation process, having lost a functioning worldview upon leaving the cult but not yet gained another to take its place. While the in-between time is often transient, they may need support from the healthcare system, especially regarding mental health concerns, while establishing themselves into mainstream society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Hadding
- Unit of Professional Development, Department of Clinical Science, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Olof Semb
- Unit of Professional Development, Department of Clinical Science, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Arja Lehti
- Unit of Professional Development, Department of Clinical Science, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Martin Fahlström
- Unit of Professional Development, Department of Clinical Science, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mikael Sandlund
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Science, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Valerie DeMarinis
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Sanderud, Norway
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Smith A, Buadze A, Liebrenz M. The United Kingdom's Rwanda asylum policy and the European Court of Human Rights' Interim Measure: Challenges for mental health and the importance of social psychiatry. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2023; 69:239-242. [PMID: 36629381 DOI: 10.1177/00207640221148091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Smith
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anna Buadze
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Liebrenz
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bern, Switzerland
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Bayes-Marin I, Roura-Adserias M, Giné-Vázquez I, Villalobos F, Franch-Roca M, Lloret-Pineda A, Gabarrell-Pascuet A, He Y, Hafi RE, Butt FMA, Mellor-Marsá B, Alós MC, Sainz-Elías H, Ayad-Ahmed W, Aparicio L, Cabeza ME, Bobo ÓÁ, López YO, Haro JM, Cristóbal-Narváez P. Factors Associated with Depression and Anxiety Symptoms among Migrant Population in Spain during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15646. [PMID: 36497721 PMCID: PMC9736595 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Migrants are likely to experience mental health conditions, being one of the most vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aims to: (1) estimate the prevalence of depressive and anxious symptoms and (2) examine the impact of risk and protective factors on this symptomatology. A sample of 129 migrants living in Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic completed an anonymous online survey, including information on sociodemographic and individual characteristics, migration, basic needs, social environment and perceived health domains. Multiple Poisson regression models analysed the effects of risk and protective factors on depression and anxiety symptoms. The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was 22.3% and 21.4%, respectively. Risk factors such as living in a rented house and previous mental health conditions were associated with higher depression symptoms, whereas unemployment was related to anxiety symptoms. Conversely, older age, better self-esteem, and higher levels of social support were associated with fewer depression symptoms. Older age and better quality of life were related to fewer anxiety symptoms. These findings addressing risk and protective factors (e.g., social support, self-esteem) help to design culturally effective programs, particularly in migrants with pre-existing mental health conditions, adjusting the organisation of mental healthcare services in difficult times in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivet Bayes-Marin
- Departament de Medicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut—Campus Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Roura-Adserias
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iago Giné-Vázquez
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Felipe Villalobos
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Franch-Roca
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amanda Lloret-Pineda
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aina Gabarrell-Pascuet
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yuelu He
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Sociology, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rachid El Hafi
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Blanca Mellor-Marsá
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M. Carmen Alós
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helena Sainz-Elías
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wala Ayad-Ahmed
- Departamento de Medicina Legal, Psiquiatría y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Fundación de Investigación Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lola Aparicio
- Servicio de Atención a la Migración en Salud Mental (SATMI), Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Avenida Drassanes 19, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Espinal Cabeza
- Servicio de Atención a la Migración en Salud Mental (SATMI), Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Avenida Drassanes 19, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Óscar Álvarez Bobo
- Servicio de Atención a la Migración en Salud Mental (SATMI), Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Avenida Drassanes 19, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yolanda Osorio López
- Servicio de Atención a la Migración en Salud Mental (SATMI), Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Avenida Drassanes 19, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Maria Haro
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IP), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Cristóbal-Narváez
- Centre for Biomedical Research on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
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Solà-Sales S, Pérez-González N, Van Hoey J, Iborra-Marmolejo I, Beneyto-Arrojo MJ, Moret-Tatay C. The Role of Resilience for Migrants and Refugees' Mental Health in Times of COVID-19. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:1131. [PMID: 34574904 PMCID: PMC8470365 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9091131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Migrants and refugees need international protection, particularly during a crisis such as the current health pandemic. The aim of this research was to examine the mental health and attitudes towards COVID-19 in migrants and refugees compared to the general Spanish population. Moreover, the nature of resilience was examined as a mixed component though life experiences. For this proposal, an interview was carried out in a sample of 245 participants who volunteered to participate in the study. The sample was divided into Spanish non-migrants, Spanish migrants, non-Spanish migrants and refugees. Attitudes towards COVID-19, resilience (based on BRCS) and mental health (based on DASS-21) were measured. The results obtained can be described as follows: (i) Migrant participants indicated worse mental health than non-migrants, and within the migrant group, refugees presented worse scores; (ii) No differences were found in attitudes towards COVID-19 in any of the subgroups; (iii) A moderating effect of group was found for the relationship between resilience and mental health but not between resilience and fear of COVID-19. These results might be of great interest in making visible the vulnerability of migrants and specifically refugees, and the proposal of intervention programs based on resilience training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Solà-Sales
- Mind, Emotion and Behavioural Research Laboratory (MEB Lab), Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (S.S.-S.); (N.P.-G.); (J.V.H.); (I.I.-M.); (M.J.B.-A.)
| | - Natalia Pérez-González
- Mind, Emotion and Behavioural Research Laboratory (MEB Lab), Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (S.S.-S.); (N.P.-G.); (J.V.H.); (I.I.-M.); (M.J.B.-A.)
| | - Julie Van Hoey
- Mind, Emotion and Behavioural Research Laboratory (MEB Lab), Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (S.S.-S.); (N.P.-G.); (J.V.H.); (I.I.-M.); (M.J.B.-A.)
| | - Isabel Iborra-Marmolejo
- Mind, Emotion and Behavioural Research Laboratory (MEB Lab), Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (S.S.-S.); (N.P.-G.); (J.V.H.); (I.I.-M.); (M.J.B.-A.)
| | - María José Beneyto-Arrojo
- Mind, Emotion and Behavioural Research Laboratory (MEB Lab), Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (S.S.-S.); (N.P.-G.); (J.V.H.); (I.I.-M.); (M.J.B.-A.)
| | - Carmen Moret-Tatay
- Mind, Emotion and Behavioural Research Laboratory (MEB Lab), Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (S.S.-S.); (N.P.-G.); (J.V.H.); (I.I.-M.); (M.J.B.-A.)
- Dipartamento di Neuroscienze, Salute Mentale e Organi di Senso (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psycology, Università Sapienza di Rome, 00187 Rome, Italy
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