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Bogic M, Hebert LE, Evanson A, Wright B, Fruhbauerova M, Petras A, Jansen K, Shaw J, Bradshaw S, O'Leary M, Zacher T, Smoker K, Comtois KA, Nelson L. Connected for life: How social connectedness can help prevent suicide in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2024; 51:259-267. [PMID: 39034087 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2024.06.006] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Enhancing social support and connectedness can reduce suicide risk, yet few studies have examined this effect in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults. We assessed suicidal ideation and behavior, thwarted belongingness, social support, enculturation, historical trauma, and traumatic life events in 709 AI/AN adults at high risk of suicide from five AI/AN communities. Suicidal ideation was associated with thwarted belongingness and protected against by social support and engaging in AI/AN ceremonies. Among those who made lifetime suicide attempts, traumatic life events, symptoms of depression/anxiety due to historical trauma, and thwarted belongingness were linked to more attempts. More engagement in cultural practices was associated with fewer suicide attempts. Higher levels of social support were associated with more suicide attempts, an observation potentially attributable to the cross-sectional nature of the study. Interventions should focus on protective factors and context-specific interventions emphasizing community history, values, and strengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Bogic
- Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 99202, United States of America.
| | - Luciana E Hebert
- Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 99202, United States of America.
| | - Anna Evanson
- University of Washington, Box 359911, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America.
| | - Barbara Wright
- University of Washington, Box 359911, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America.
| | - Martina Fruhbauerova
- University of Washington, Box 359911, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America.
| | - Anthippy Petras
- Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 99202, United States of America.
| | - Kelley Jansen
- Southcentral Foundation, 4085 Tudor Centre Drive, Anchorage, AK 99577, United States of America.
| | - Jennifer Shaw
- Southcentral Foundation, 4085 Tudor Centre Drive, Anchorage, AK 99577, United States of America.
| | - Sam Bradshaw
- Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health Prevention, 1510 East Shawnee Circle, Tahlequah, OK 74464, United States of America.
| | - Marcia O'Leary
- Missouri Breaks Industries Research Inc., US Highway 18, P.O. Box 5003, Pine Ridge, SD 57770, United States of America.
| | - Tracy Zacher
- Missouri Breaks Industries Research Inc., US Highway 18, P.O. Box 5003, Pine Ridge, SD 57770, United States of America.
| | - Kenny Smoker
- Fort Peck Tribes HPDP, 417 13th Ave East, Poplar, MT 59255, United States of America
| | - Katherine Anne Comtois
- University of Washington, Box 359911, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, United States of America.
| | - Lonnie Nelson
- Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 99202, United States of America.
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Lee DW, Kim K, Hyun J, Jung SJ. Depressive symptoms and neuroticism mediate the association between traumatic events and suicidality - A latent class mediation analysis of UK Biobank Database. J Affect Disord 2024; 356:13-21. [PMID: 38588726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental disorders that follow traumatic experience may increase risk of suicidality, but a comprehensive approach to understand how these mental disorders mediate the association between psychological traumatic experience and suicidality should be elucidated. In this study, we attempted to provide comprehensive evidence on how depressive symptoms and neuroticism can mediate the association between psychological traumatic experiences and suicidal behaviours including suicidal ideation, suicidal planning, and suicide attempts. METHODS We analyzed 111,931 participants from UK Biobank who had completed mental health web-based questionnaire from 2016 to 2017. "Self-harm and suicidal behaviour and ideation (SSBI) score" was calculated by the response from suicidal behaviours and self-harm questionnaires. Conducting multivariate linear regression, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and neuroticism were selected as potential mediators. We constructed a latent class mediation model estimated direct effect of psychological traumatic events on suicidality and indirect effect of psychological traumatic events mediated by depressive symptoms and neuroticism. RESULTS Psychological traumatic events were positively associated with suicidal behaviours. Depressive symptoms and neuroticism significantly mediated the effect of psychological traumatic events on suicidality. Anxiety symptoms did not mediate the association between psychological traumatic events and suicidality. CONCLUSION Psychological traumatic events, irrespective of life stage of occurrence, are associated with suicidality. The association between psychological traumatic events and suicidality can be partially explained by depressive symptoms and neuroticism of those who were exposed to psychological trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doo Woong Lee
- Center for Global Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwanghyun Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Humanitarian Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jinhee Hyun
- Department of Social Welfare, College of Social Sciences, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Jae Jung
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Scharpf F, Masath FB, Mkinga G, Kyaruzi E, Nkuba M, Machumu M, Hecker T. Prevalence of suicidality and associated factors of suicide risk in a representative community sample of families in three East African refugee camps. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:245-259. [PMID: 37277656 PMCID: PMC10838827 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02506-z] [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: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the prevalence of suicidality and associated factors of suicide risk in a sample of Burundian refugee families living in three refugee camps in Tanzania. METHODS Children (n = 230) and their parents (n = 460) were randomly selected and interviewed about suicidality (suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts) and a range of sociodemographic, psychological, and environmental factors. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine factors associated with children and parents' lower and moderate or high current suicide risk. RESULTS Past-month prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts were 11.3%, 0.9% and 0.9%, respectively, among children; 37.4%, 7.4% and 5.2%, respectively, among mothers; and 29.6%, 4.8% and 1.7%, respectively, among fathers. Older age in years (aORlower = 2.20, 95% CI 1.38-3.51; aORmoderate/high = 3.03, 95% CI 1.15-7.99) and higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (aORlower = 1.64, 95% CI 1.05-2.57; aORmoderate/high = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.02-5.16), internalizing (aORmoderate/high = 2.88, 95% CI 1.33-6.26) and externalizing problems (aORlower = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.06-2.31; aORmoderate/high = 3.03, 95% CI 1.42-6.49) were significantly positively associated with children's current suicide risk. For mothers, higher perceived instrumental social support (aORmoderate/high = 0.05, 95% CI < 0.01-0.58) was significantly negatively related to suicide risk, whereas exposure to community violence (aORlower = 1.97, 95% CI 1.30-2.99; aORmoderate/high = 1.59, 95% CI 1.00-2.52), living in larger households (aORlower = 1.74, 95% CI 1.17-2.57), and higher psychological distress (aORmoderate/high = 1.67, 95% CI 1.05-2.67) were significantly positively associated with suicide risk. For fathers, higher perceived instrumental social support (aORmoderate/high = 0.04, 95% CI < 0.01-0.44) and having more years of formal education (aORmoderate/high = 0.58, 95% CI 0.34-0.98) were significantly negatively and exposure to war-related trauma (aORmoderate/high = 1.81, 95% CI 1.03-3.19) was significantly positively associated with suicide risk. CONCLUSION Prevention programs should target psychopathology, community violence and social support to mitigate children and parents' current suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Scharpf
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany.
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Faustine Bwire Masath
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany
- Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, P. O. Box 2329, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Getrude Mkinga
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Edna Kyaruzi
- Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, P. O. Box 2329, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Mabula Nkuba
- Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, P. O. Box 2329, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Maregesi Machumu
- Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, P. O. Box 2329, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Tobias Hecker
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence, Bielefeld University, P. O. Box 100131, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany
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Wong NE, Hagan MJ, Holley SR. Childhood Maltreatment and Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Young Adults. CRISIS 2024; 45:26-32. [PMID: 37337753 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Background: Childhood maltreatment strongly predicts suicidality in young adulthood, which is increasingly common among Latina/o and Asian Americans. However, greater attention to modifiable explanatory factors is needed, particularly in ethnically minoritized populations. Aims: The current study evaluated whether the association between childhood maltreatment and suicidality may be accounted for by emotion regulation difficulties among a sample of young adults attending a large, minority-serving state university. Methods: Young adults (n = 853 participants; Mage = 22.43 years; 76.2% female) completed validated measures of suicidality, childhood maltreatment, depression, and emotion regulation difficulties. A multiple indirect effect analysis was conducted in a structural equation modeling framework. Results: Greater childhood maltreatment was associated with significantly greater emotion regulation difficulties across all six types and greater endorsement of overall suicidality. An indirect effect was found for limited access to regulation strategies only. Unexpectedly, lack of emotional awareness was associated with lower levels of ideation/attempts or threats of engaging in suicidal behavior. Limitations: The study was cross-sectional, precluding conclusions regarding causality. Conclusions: The findings suggest that, for individuals who have experienced childhood maltreatment, it is particularly important to address deficits in access to emotion regulation strategies to reduce the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie E Wong
- Department of Psychology, San Francisco State University, CA, USA
| | - Melissa J Hagan
- Department of Psychology, San Francisco State University, CA, USA
| | - Sarah R Holley
- Department of Psychology, San Francisco State University, CA, USA
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Prevalence and prevention of suicidal ideation among asylum seekers in a high-risk urban post-displacement setting. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2022; 31:e76. [PMID: 36245417 PMCID: PMC9583629 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796022000579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Among asylum seekers in a high-risk unstable post-displacement context, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of and risk for suicidal ideation (study 1), and then to test whether and how Mindfulness-Based Trauma Recovery for Refugees (MBTR-R) may prevent or treat suicidal ideation (study 2). METHODS Study 1 was conducted among a community sample of N = 355 (31.8% female) East African asylum seekers in a high-risk urban post-displacement setting in the Middle East (Israel). Study 2 was a secondary analysis of a randomised waitlist-control trial of MBTR-R among 158 asylum-seekers (46.2% female) from the same community and post-displacement setting. RESULTS Prevalence of suicidal ideation was elevated (31%). Post-migration living difficulties, as well as posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety and their multi-morbidity were strongly associated with suicidal ideation severity. Likewise, depression and multi-morbidity prospectively predicted the onset of suicidal ideation. Relative to its incidence among waitlist-control (23.1%), MBTR-R prevented the onset of suicidal ideation at post-intervention assessment (15.6%) and 5-week follow-up (9.8%). Preventive effects of MBTR-R on suicidal ideation were mediated by reduced posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety and their multi-morbidity. MBTR-R did not therapeutically reduce current suicidal ideation present at the beginning of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS Findings warn of a public health crisis of suicidality among forcibly displaced people in high-risk post-displacement settings. Although preliminary, novel randomised waitlist-control evidence for preventive effects of MBTR-R for suicidal ideation is promising. Together, findings indicate the need for scientific, applied and policy attention to mental health post-displacement in order to prevent suicide among forcibly displaced people.
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Hermosilla S, Choi KW, Askari MS, Marks T, Denckla C, Axinn W, Smoller JW, Ghimire D, Benjet C. What can we learn about polytrauma typologies by comparing population-representative to trauma-exposed samples: A Nepali example. J Affect Disord 2022; 314:201-210. [PMID: 35810829 PMCID: PMC9869468 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.07.006] [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: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Potentially traumatic events (PTEs) are common and associated with detrimental outcomes over the life-course. Previous studies exploring the causes and consequences of PTE-exposure profiles are often from high-income settings and fail to explore the implications of sample selection (i.e., population-representative versus PTE-restricted). METHODS Among individuals in the Nepal Chitwan Valley Family Study, latent class analyses (LCA) were performed on 11 self-reported PTEs collected by the Nepali version of the World Mental Health Consortium's Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0 from 2016 to 2018, in a population-representative sample (N = 10,714), including a PTE-restricted subsample (N = 9183). Multinomial logistic regressions explored relationships between sociodemographic factors and class membership. Logistic regressions assessed relationships between class membership and psychiatric outcomes. RESULTS On average, individuals were exposed to 2 PTEs in their lifetime. A five-class solution showed optimal fit for both samples; however, specific classes were distinct. No single sociodemographic factor was universally associated with PTE class membership in the population-representative sample; while several factors (e.g., age, age at incident PTE, education, marital status, and migration) were consistently associated with class membership in the PTE-subsample. PTE class membership differentiated psychiatric outcomes in the population-representative sample more than the PTE-subsample. LIMITATIONS Primary limitations are related to the generalizability to high-income settings, debate on LCA model fit statistic usage for final class selection, and cross-sectional nature of data collection. CONCLUSIONS Although population-representative samples provide information applicable to large-scale, population-based programming and policy, PTE-subsample analyses may provide additional nuance in PTE profiles and their consequences, important for specialized prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Hermosilla
- Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
| | - Karmel W Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melanie S Askari
- Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Taylor Marks
- Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Christy Denckla
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William Axinn
- Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Jordan W Smoller
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dirgha Ghimire
- Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA; Institute for Social and Environmental Research-Nepal, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Corina Benjet
- Department of Epidemiology and Psychosocial Research, National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
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Cogo E, Murray M, Villanueva G, Hamel C, Garner P, Senior SL, Henschke N. Suicide rates and suicidal behaviour in displaced people: A systematic review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263797. [PMID: 35271568 PMCID: PMC8912254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Refugees, and other forcibly displaced people, face mental distress and may be disproportionately affected by risk factors for suicide. Little is known about suicidal behaviour in these highly mobile populations because collecting timely, relevant, and reliable data is challenging. Methods and findings A systematic review was performed to identify studies of any design reporting on suicide, suicide attempts, or suicidal ideation among populations of displaced people. A sensitive electronic database search was performed in August 2020, and all retrieved studies were screened for relevance by two authors. Studies were categorised by the population being evaluated: refugees granted asylum, refugees living in temporary camps, asylum seekers, or internally displaced people. We distinguished between whether the sampling procedure in the studies was likely to be representative, or the sample examined a specific non-representative subgroup of displaced people (such as those already diagnosed with mental illness). Data on the rates of suicide or the prevalence of suicide attempts or suicidal ideation were extracted by one reviewer and verified by a second reviewer from each study and converted to common metrics. After screening 4347 articles, 87 reports of 77 unique studies were included. Of these, 53 were studies in representative samples, and 24 were based on samples of specific target populations. Most studies were conducted in high-income countries, and the most studied population subgroup was refugees granted asylum. There was substantial heterogeneity across data sources and measurement instruments utilised. Sample sizes of displaced people ranged from 33 to 196,941 in studies using general samples. Suicide rates varied considerably, from 4 to 290 per 100,000 person-years across studies. Only 8 studies were identified that compared suicide rates with the host population. The prevalence of suicide attempts ranged from 0.14% to 15.1% across all studies and varied according to the prevalence period evaluated. Suicidal ideation prevalence varied from 0.17% to 70.6% across studies. Among refugees granted asylum, there was evidence of a lower risk of suicide compared with the host population in 4 of 5 studies. In contrast, in asylum seekers there was evidence of a higher suicide risk in 2 of 3 studies, and of a higher risk of suicidal ideation among refugees living in camps in 2 of 3 studies compared to host populations. Conclusion While multiple studies overall have been published in the literature on this topic, the evidence base is still sparse for refugees in camps, asylum seekers, and internally displaced people. Less than half of the included studies reported on suicide or suicide attempt outcomes, with most reporting on suicidal ideation. International research networks could usefully define criteria, definitions, and study designs to help standardise and facilitate more research in this important area. Registration PROSPERO CRD42019137242.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Cogo
- Cochrane Response, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marylou Murray
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Paul Garner
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Nesterko Y, Haase E, Schönfelder A, Glaesmer H. Suicidal ideation among recently arrived refugees in Germany. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:183. [PMID: 35291976 PMCID: PMC8922739 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03844-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Refugees are considered a high-risk population for developing mental health disorders. Yet little research has been conducted on suicidal ideation among refugees resettled in Western high-income countries. In the present hstudy, suicidal ideation and its association with different socio-demographic, flight-related, and mental health-related factors were analyzed in recently arrived refugees in Germany. METHODS The study was conducted in a reception facility for asylum-seekers in Leipzig, where 564 newly arrived adult residents participated. The questionnaire included socio-demographic and flight-related questions as well as standardized instruments for assessing suicidal ideation (item 9 from PHQ-9), a variety of traumatic experiences (LEC-5), posttraumatic stress disorder (PCL-5), depression (PHQ-8), and somatic symptoms (SSS-8). Multiple logistic regression models were run to predict suicidal ideation in relation to different socio-demographic, flight, and mental health-related factors. RESULTS In total, 171 (30.3%) participants who had just or very recently arrived in Germany reported having experienced suicidal ideation within the two weeks prior to being assessed. Those who reported suicidal ideation also reported higher prevalence of somatic symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and experiences of sexual violence, as well as worse self-rated mental and physical health. In addition, there were significant independent associations between suicidal ideation and (1) younger age, (2) longer flight duration, (3) experiences of sexual violence, (4) symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, and (5) symptoms of depression. CONCLUSIONS The results emphasize the association between suicidal ideation and different clinically relevant mental health symptoms among newly arrived refugees in Germany. Special attention should not only be given to refugees suffering from symptoms of poor mental health, but also to those of younger age as well as refugees who have experienced sexual violence, as they might be affected by suicidal ideation whether or not they suffer from other mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuriy Nesterko
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Elisa Haase
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Antje Schönfelder
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heide Glaesmer
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Kovnick MO, Young Y, Tran N, Teerawichitchainan B, Tran TK, Korinek K. The Impact of Early Life War Exposure on Mental Health among Older Adults in Northern and Central Vietnam. JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 62:526-544. [PMID: 34622692 PMCID: PMC8633195 DOI: 10.1177/00221465211039239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Most Vietnamese young adults who experienced the American War were exposed to war-related violence, which can exert a lifelong impact. We analyze survey data collected among northern and central Vietnamese older adults in the 2018 Vietnam Health and Aging Study (N = 2,447) to examine the association between various war traumas, psychological distress, and suicidal ideation. Informed by life course and stress process perspectives, we use structural equation models with multiple mediators to analyze the relationship between mental health outcomes and five types of wartime stress exposure: loss of family and friends, witnessing death, malevolent living conditions, life threat, and moral injury. Our findings reveal enduring mental health impacts of war among survivors. Wartime stress exposure's influence on mental health is mediated by recent comorbidities and stressful life events. Loss of family members, witnessing death, and malevolent living conditions during war are particularly salient risks for psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nhung Tran
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Paudyal P, Tattan M, Cooper MJF. Qualitative study on mental health and well-being of Syrian refugees and their coping mechanisms towards integration in the UK. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e046065. [PMID: 34417211 PMCID: PMC8381320 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the mental well-being of Syrian refugees and identify their coping mechanisms and pathways towards integration into new communities. DESIGN Qualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interviews. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Adult Syrian refugees (>18 years old) currently residing in South East of England. RESULTS 12 participants (3 women and 9 men) took part in the study, all were born in Syria and the majority (n=9) were over 45 years of age. Our findings show that Syrian refugees face constant challenges as they try to integrate into a new society. Loss of and separation from loved ones as well as the nostalgia for the homeland were often cited as a source of psychological distress that created an overwhelming sense of sadness. Participants reported that they struggled for connectedness due to cultural difference and the problematic nature of rapidly formed migrant communities in their new setting. They believed in 'being their own doctor' and turning to faith, ritual and nature for healing and comfort. Taboo and stigma around mental health and language barriers were cited as barriers to accessing mental healthcare services. CONCLUSION Past experiences and present challenges frame Syrian refugees' sense of well-being, impact use of healthcare and risk future mental health problems. It is hoped that this study will act as a catalyst for further research on this vulnerable group to promote integration, community support and culturally sensitive mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyamvada Paudyal
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Mais Tattan
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Maxwell J F Cooper
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
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Thordardottir EB, Yin L, Hauksdottir A, Mittendorfer-Rutz E, Hollander AC, Hultman CM, Lichtenstein P, Ye W, Arnberg FK, Fang F, Holmes EA, Valdimarsdottir UA. Mortality and major disease risk among migrants of the 1991-2001 Balkan wars to Sweden: A register-based cohort study. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003392. [PMID: 33259494 PMCID: PMC7707579 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent decades, millions of refugees and migrants have fled wars and sought asylum in Europe. The aim of this study was to quantify the risk of mortality and major diseases among migrants during the 1991-2001 Balkan wars to Sweden in comparison to other European migrants to Sweden during the same period. METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted a register-based cohort study of 104,770 migrants to Sweden from the former Yugoslavia during the Balkan wars and 147,430 migrants to Sweden from 24 other European countries during the same period (1991-2001). Inpatient and specialized outpatient diagnoses of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and psychiatric disorders were obtained from the Swedish National Patient Register and the Swedish Cancer Register, and mortality data from the Swedish Cause of Death Register. Adjusting for individual-level data on sociodemographic characteristics and emigration country smoking prevalence, we used Cox regressions to contrast risks of health outcomes for migrants of the Balkan wars and other European migrants. During an average of 12.26 years of follow-up, being a migrant of the Balkan wars was associated with an elevated risk of being diagnosed with CVD (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.34-1.43, p < 0.001) and dying from CVD (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.29-1.62, p < 0.001), as well as being diagnosed with cancer (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.08-1.24, p < 0.001) and dying from cancer (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.15-1.41, p < 0.001), compared to other European migrants. Being a migrant of the Balkan wars was also associated with a greater overall risk of being diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.14-1.23, p < 0.001), particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (HR 9.33, 95% CI 7.96-10.94, p < 0.001), while being associated with a reduced risk of suicide (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48-0.96, p = 0.030) and suicide attempt (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.51-0.65, p < 0.001). Later time period of migration and not having any first-degree relatives in Sweden at the time of immigration were associated with greater increases in risk of CVD and psychiatric disorders. Limitations of the study included lack of individual-level information on health status and behaviors of migrants at the time of immigration. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that migrants of the Balkan wars faced considerably elevated risks of major diseases and mortality in their first decade in Sweden compared to other European migrants. War migrants without family members in Sweden or with more recent immigration may be particularly vulnerable to adverse health outcomes. Results underscore that persons displaced by war are a vulnerable group in need of long-term health surveillance for psychiatric disorders and somatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Li Yin
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arna Hauksdottir
- Center of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Ellenor Mittendorfer-Rutz
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Christina M. Hultman
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Paul Lichtenstein
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Weimin Ye
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Filip K. Arnberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
- Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emily A. Holmes
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Unnur Anna Valdimarsdottir
- Center of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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12
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Um MY, Rice E, Palinkas LA, Kim HJ. Migration-Related Stressors and Suicidal Ideation in North Korean Refugee Women: The Moderating Effects of Network Composition. J Trauma Stress 2020; 33:939-949. [PMID: 32529676 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Alarmingly high rates of suicidal ideation have been reported in North Korean (NK) refugee women living in South Korea. This population often endures traumatic experiences and violence in North Korea as well as human trafficking and sexual exploitation in intermediary countries. Following resettlement in South Korea, NK refugee women continue facing multiple hardships, such as discrimination, that can negatively affect their mental health and contribute to suicidality. Support from social networks can buffer the harmful impacts of pre- and postmigration stressors on mental health in NK refugee women. Using the stress-buffering hypothesis, the present study examined the moderating effects of network composition (i.e., network diversity and church-based ties) on the associations among premigration trauma, postmigration discrimination, and suicidal ideation in NK refugee women living in South Korea. Participants (N = 273) were NK refugee women living in South Korea who were 19 years of age or older; 34.4% of the participants reported past-year suicidal ideation. The study results indicated that network diversity significantly moderated the association between postmigration discrimination and suicidal ideation, p = .031, whereas networks with church-based ties significantly moderated the association between premigration trauma and suicidal ideation, p = .026. The present findings support the hypothesis that social ties can buffer the appraisal of migration-related stressors on suicidality. These findings have implications for practitioners serving vulnerable populations that experience multiple traumatic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mee Young Um
- School of Social Work Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Eric Rice
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lawrence A Palinkas
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Bangmok College of General Education, Myongji University, Seoul, South Korea
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13
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Uygun E. The Relationship Between the Types of Traumatic Events and Well-Being, Post-Traumatic Stress Levels and Gender Differences in Syrian Patients: A Cross-Sectional Controlled Study. J Immigr Minor Health 2020; 23:1232-1240. [PMID: 32997255 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-020-01097-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to compare the types and frequency of traumatic events in Syrian patients. Additionally, the study investigates the relationship between the types of traumatic events and post-traumatic stress and mental well-being based on gender differences among the Syrians. Sociodemographic form, the Stressful Life Events Screening Questionnaire, the WHO-5 Well Being Index, and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised were administered to the Syrian volunteers (n = 207) and a control group. The total number of traumatic experiences were higher in the patient (study) group and men compared to the healthy control group and women. The most significant predictors of the variables for the level of traumatic symptoms were total number of traumatic experiences and having lived in a war zone. Traumatic stress symptoms may be associated with the number and continuity of traumatic events. The number of traumatic events in Syrians could be higher in males. Mental well-being is more associated with daily stress factors than traumatic experiences. Therefore, post-migratory risk and protective factors need to be investigated to comprehend PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ersin Uygun
- Refugee Mental Health Outpatient Clinic, University of Health Sciences, Bakırköy Mental Health Training and Research Hospital, Doktor Tevfik Sağlam Street. 25/2, 34147, Bakirkoy/Istanbul, Turkey. .,Trauma and Disaster Mental Health Master Programme, Istanbul Bilgi University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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14
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Akhtar A, Giardinelli L, Bawaneh A, Awwad M, Naser H, Whitney C, Jordans MJD, Sijbrandij M, Bryant RA. Group problem management plus (gPM+) in the treatment of common mental disorders in Syrian refugees in a Jordanian camp: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:390. [PMID: 32216762 PMCID: PMC7098148 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08463-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Accessing quality mental health care poses significant challenges for persons affected by adversity, especially in low- and middle-income countries where resources are scarce. To mitigate this, the World Health Organization has developed group problem management plus (gPM+), a low-intensity psychological intervention for adults experiencing psychological distress. gPM+ is a group-based intervention consisting of five-sessions, and can be delivered by non-specialist providers. This paper outlines the study protocol for a trial of gPM+ in Jordan. Methods We will conduct a single-blind, two-arm, randomized controlled trial in a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan. We aim to enrol 480 adults into the trial. Participants will be eligible for the trial if they screen positive for levels of psychological distress. Following screening, those eligible will be randomly assigned to receive the gPM+ intervention or enhanced treatment as usual. The primary outcome is reduction in levels of psychological distress at 3-months post-treatment. Secondary outcomes include anxiety, depression, prodromal psychotic symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder, prolonged grief, daily functioning, economic effectiveness, and change in parenting behaviour. Secondary outcomes also include the reduction in psychological distress of the participant’s child. Discussion The trial aims to deliver a template for affordable and scalable psychosocial interventions that can readily be implemented in refugee settings, and that can benefit both the participant and their child. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12619001386123. Registered prospectively on 10/10/2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aemal Akhtar
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ahmad Bawaneh
- Jordan Country Office, International Medical Corps, Amman, Jordan
| | - Manar Awwad
- Jordan Country Office, International Medical Corps, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hadeel Naser
- Jordan Country Office, International Medical Corps, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Mark J D Jordans
- Research and Development Department, War Child Holland, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard A Bryant
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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Ingabire CM, Richters A. Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Among Congolese Refugees in Rwanda: Contributing Factors, Consequences, and Support Mechanisms in the Context of Culture. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:299. [PMID: 32390879 PMCID: PMC7193102 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Concern in one of the five camps for Congolese refugees in Rwanda about suicide attempts and death in 2017 as well as research data pointing to a relatively high incidence of suicidal ideation in this and a second camp in the same period provided the impetus for this exploratory qualitative study. The study explored factors contributing to suicidal ideation, attempts and death; existing support and referral mechanisms; and recommendations regarding prevention and care strategies. Between July and September 2018, 10 focus group discussions were conducted with refugees and representatives of stakeholders working in the camp, and 21 in-depth interviews with refugees who reported suicidal ideations in a previous quantitative survey, two refugees who attempted suicide, and family members of those who reported suicidal ideas, attempted suicide or committed suicide. Findings suggest that while all refugees have suffered from war and violence in Congo and experienced traumatic events before arriving in Rwanda, the pathway to suicidal ideations was often triggered by the circumstances related to their current situation in the context of refugeehood. Almost all respondents who experienced suicide ideations and/or attempted to commit suicide reported poor mental health, a low sense of connectedness/belonging and a high level of perceived burden, which were greater than their desire to live. Family conflicts were found to be an important starting point leading to suicidal ideations and in some cases to suicide attempts and deaths. For the adult population, family conflicts often resulted from the cultural and legal changes experienced after fleeing their home country, misunderstandings of Rwandan gender equality policies, and disagreements about family income management. For youth, a lack of hope for the future was found among boys and girls, and for some girls, suicidal ideations were triggered by poor interpersonal/family relationships due to unwanted pregnancies. Family, community and faith-based support mechanisms were reported as being available but not always culturally sensitive. Psychosocial support services should be improved and expanded to ensure effective psychosocial recovery. Family conflicts related to a lack of family communication and a misconception of gender equality policies should be tackled with attention to the cultural factors involved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annemiek Richters
- Research Department, Community-Based Sociotherapy (CBS), Kigali, Rwanda.,Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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16
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Hocking DC, Mancuso SG, Sundram S. Development and validation of a mental health screening tool for asylum-seekers and refugees: the STAR-MH. BMC Psychiatry 2018; 18:69. [PMID: 29548315 PMCID: PMC5857116 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-018-1660-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no screening tool for major depressive disorder (MDD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in asylum-seekers or refugees (ASR) that can be readily administered by non-mental health workers. Hence, we aimed to develop a brief, sensitive and rapidly administrable tool for non-mental health workers to screen for MDD and PTSD in ASR. METHODS The screening tool was developed from an extant dataset (n = 121) of multiply screened ASR and tested prospectively (N = 192) against the M.I.N.I. (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview) structured psychiatric interview. Rasch, Differential Item Functioning and ROC analyses evaluated the psychometric properties and tool utility. RESULTS A 9-item tool with a median administration time of six minutes was generated, comprising two 'immediate screen-in' items, and a 7-item scale. The prevalence of PTSD &/or MDD using the M.I.N.I. was 32%, whilst 99% of other diagnosed mental disorders were comorbid with one or both of these. Using a cut-score of ≥2, the tool provided a sensitivity of 0.93, specificity of 0.75 and predictive accuracy of 80.7%. CONCLUSIONS A brief sensitive screening tool with robust psychometric properties that was easy to administer at the agency of first presentation was developed to facilitate mental health referrals for asylum-seekers and new refugees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie C. Hocking
- Cabrini Institute, 154 Wattletree Road, Malvern, VIC 3144 Australia ,0000 0004 0606 5526grid.418025.aFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade (Cnr Genetics Lane), Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia ,0000 0004 1936 7857grid.1002.3Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168 Australia
| | - Serafino G. Mancuso
- 0000 0001 2179 088Xgrid.1008.9Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Suresh Sundram
- 0000 0004 0606 5526grid.418025.aFlorey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade (Cnr Genetics Lane), Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia ,0000 0001 2179 088Xgrid.1008.9Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia ,0000 0004 1936 7857grid.1002.3Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168 Australia ,0000 0004 0390 1496grid.416060.5Adult Psychiatry, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC 3168 Australia
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17
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Posttraumatic Stress and Suicidality Among Firefighters: The Moderating Role of Distress Tolerance. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-018-9892-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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18
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Cheung Chung M, AlQarni N, AlMazrouei M, Al Muhairi S, Shakra M, Mitchell B, Al Mazrouei S, Al Hashimi S. The impact of trauma exposure characteristics on post-traumatic stress disorder and psychiatric co-morbidity among Syrian refugees. Psychiatry Res 2018; 259:310-315. [PMID: 29100134 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of trauma exposure characteristics on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psychiatric co-morbidity among Syrian refugees. One thousand one hundred and ninety-seven refugees residing in Turkey and Sweden participated in the research. They completed the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire-28. Forty-three percent of refugees met the cutoff for PTSD. After adjusting for location of residence, witnessing horror and exposure to life threat and assault were significantly correlated with PTSD and psychiatric co-morbidity respectively. Death of, or life threat to family members or friends were significantly correlated with both distress outcomes. Refugees residing in Turkey had significantly higher levels of PTSD, psychiatric co-morbidity and trauma characteristics than those living in Sweden. To conclude, Syrian refugees who witnessed horror, life threat or had family or friends die, tended to have elevated psychological distress. Levels of distress among resettled refugees can vary depending on country of resettlement. We recommend systematic mental health screening and implementation of psychotherapeutic interventions to address issues pertaining to subjective experience of resettlement and trauma exposure for Syrian refugees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Cheung Chung
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Department of Educational Psychology, Ho Tim Building, Faculty of Education, Shatin NT, Hong Kong.
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Afzali MH, Sunderland M, Batterham PJ, Carragher N, Slade T. Trauma characteristics, post-traumatic symptoms, psychiatric disorders and suicidal behaviours: Results from the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2017; 51:1142-1151. [PMID: 29087229 DOI: 10.1177/0004867416683815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current study examined whether trauma characteristics such as the type and number of traumatic events were associated with three suicidal behaviours (i.e. ideation, plan and attempt) after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, post-traumatic symptoms and history of psychiatric disorders. METHOD Data came from the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing ( N = 8841). Respondents were asked about exposure to 28 traumatic events that occurred during their lifetime. Suicidal behaviours were measured using three statements about whether the person ever seriously thought about or planned or attempted suicide. RESULTS Sexual violence and exposure to multiple traumatic events were particularly associated with suicidal behaviours. The presence of the emotional numbing symptom cluster and co-occurrence of three psychiatric disorders (major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder and substance use disorder) also increased the odds of suicidal behaviours. Analysis of age of onset revealed that the mean age of traumatic exposure was earlier than the age at which suicidal behaviours emerged. CONCLUSIONS The current study is the first to demonstrate that sexual violence and exposure to multiple traumatic events are associated with suicidal behaviours in a representative sample of Australian adults. The results underline the potential benefits of thorough assessment of trauma history, post-traumatic symptoms and history of psychiatric disorders and their additive contribution in suicide risk among trauma victims. These findings can be used by clinicians and researchers for early intervention programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad H Afzali
- 1 NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew Sunderland
- 1 NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip J Batterham
- 2 National Institute for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Natacha Carragher
- 3 Medical Education and Student Office, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tim Slade
- 1 NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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20
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O'Donnell ML, Schaefer I, Varker T, Kartal D, Forbes D, Bryant RA, Silove D, Creamer M, McFarlane A, Malhi G, Felmingham K, Van Hoof M, Hadzi-Pavlovic D, Nickerson A, Steel Z. A systematic review of person-centered approaches to investigating patterns of trauma exposure. Clin Psychol Rev 2017; 57:208-225. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Posttraumatic Stress and Distress Tolerance: Associations With Suicidality in Acute-Care Psychiatric Inpatients. J Nerv Ment Dis 2017; 205:531-541. [PMID: 28604417 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000000690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology have been associated with suicidality, including ideation and behavior. The current investigation evaluated, in acute-care psychiatric inpatients, the mediating role of perceived (self-reported) distress tolerance in the association between PTSD symptom severity and suicidality, defined as a) suicidal ideation, intent, or behavior leading to current psychiatric hospitalization; b) self-reported severity of suicidal desire; and c) percentage of days of suicidality during current hospitalization. Participants were composed of 105 adults (55.2% women; mean age, 33.9; SD, 10.9) admitted to a public psychiatric acute-care inpatient hospital in a large metropolitan area; 52.3% of the participants were hospitalized for suicidality. Results indicated that PTSD symptom severity (and severity of each PTSD symptom cluster) may exert an indirect effect on suicidality, specifically suicidality as a basis for current hospital admission and self-reported severity of suicidal desire, through perceived distress tolerance. Effects were documented after controlling for theoretically relevant covariates.
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22
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Rhodes J, Parrett N, Mason O. A qualitative study of refugees with psychotic symptoms. PSYCHOSIS 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/17522439.2015.1045547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Afzali MH, Birmes P, Vautier S. Symptoms Moderating the Association Between Recent Suicide Attempts and Trauma Levels: Fan-Shaped Effects. DEATH STUDIES 2015; 39:654-662. [PMID: 26068533 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2015.1047063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study focuses on variables moderating the incidence of recent suicide attempt in a large community sample (n = 39,617) of French citizens with various levels of trauma. Five trauma levels were established based on posttraumatic stress disorder items of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Twenty-three symptoms were examined as potential moderating variables with a fan-shaped pattern. Seven symptoms regarding desire for death, self-harm intention, suicidal ideation, lifetime suicide attempt, depressed mood, loss of interest, and panic attack exhibited the fan-shaped pattern. The absence of these moderating symptoms decreases the incidence of suicide attempt and their presence leads to a gradual increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad H Afzali
- a University of Toulouse II, Laboratoire Octogone , Toulouse , France
| | - Philippe Birmes
- b University of Toulouse III, Laboratoire du Stress Traumatique, CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Casselardit , Toulouse , France
| | - Stéphane Vautier
- a University of Toulouse II, Laboratoire Octogone , Toulouse , France
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Bell SA, Lori J, Redman R, Seng J. Development of a brief screening tool for women's mental health assessment in refugee settings: A psychometric evaluation. Int J Nurs Stud 2015; 52:1202-8. [PMID: 25892280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The detection of common mental disorders in humanitarian crisis settings requires a screening tool that is feasible to use as well as sensitive and specific. The Self-Report Questionnaire, developed by the World Health Organization in 1994 to detect presence or absence of common mental health disorders, has frequently been used among conflict-affected and refugee populations. Our goal was to identify a highly predictive and reliable subset of items to serve as a screening tool that can be used in busy, over-crowded, and low-resource primary health care settings to identify women who need mental health attention. METHODS We analyzed the responses on a version of the Self-Report Questionnaire expanded to include two suicidality items from 810 displaced women living in refugee camps in Rwanda. Screening items were selected and evaluated for predictive ability using logistic regression in a cross-validation process, sensitivity and specificity using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and internal consistency analysis. RESULTS A five-item screening tool resulted. Those items are "Do you feel unhappy?", Do you feel easily nervous, tense, or worried?", "Have you lost interest in things?", "Do you have trouble thinking clearly?" and "Has the thought of ending your life been on your mind?". CONCLUSION The Self-Report Questionnaire-5 may be an important tool for identifying common mental disorders as well as suicide ideation and behaviors when assessing mental health among women in crisis situations. Further evaluation of this tool is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Anne Bell
- University of Michigan School of Nursing, United States.
| | - Jody Lori
- University of Michigan School of Nursing, United States
| | | | - Julia Seng
- University of Michigan School of Nursing, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Institute for Research on Women and Gender, United States
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Hollander AC. Social inequalities in mental health and mortality among refugees and other immigrants to Sweden--epidemiological studies of register data. Glob Health Action 2013; 6:21059. [PMID: 23810108 PMCID: PMC3696128 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v6i0.21059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this PhD project was to increase knowledge, using population-based registers, of how pre- and post-migration factors and social determinants of health are associated with inequalities in poor mental health and mortality among refugees and other immigrants to Sweden. Study I and II had cross-sectional designs and used logistic regression analysis to study differences in poor mental health (measured with prescribed psychotropic drugs purchased) between refugee and non-refugee immigrants. In Study I, there was a significant difference in poor mental health between female refugees and non-refugees (OR=1.27; CI=1.15-1.40) when adjusted for socio-economic factors. In Study II, refugees of most origins had a higher likelihood of poor mental health than non-refugees of the same origin. Study III and IV had cohort designs and used Cox regression analysis. Study III analysed mortality rates among non-labour immigrants. Male refugees had higher relative risks of mortality from cardiovascular disease (HR=1.53; CI=1.04-2.24) and external causes (HR=1.59; CI=1.01-2.50) than male non-refugees did, adjusted for socio-economic factors. Study IV included the population with a strong connection to the labour market in 1999 to analyse the relative risk of hospitalisation due to depressive disorder following unemployment. The lowest relative risk was found among employed Swedish-born men and the highest among foreign-born females who lost employment during follow-up (HR=3.47; CI=3.02-3.98). Immigrants, and particularly refugees, have poorer mental health than native Swedes. Refugee men have a higher relative mortality risk for cardiovascular disease and external causes of death than do non-refugees. The relative risk of hospitalisation due to depressive disorder following unemployment was highest among immigrant women. To promote mental health and reduce mortality among immigrants, it is important to consider pre- and post-migration factors and the general social determinants of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Clara Hollander
- Division of Social Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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