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Osman W, Ncube F, Shaaban K, Dafallah A. Prevalence, predictors, and economic burden of mental health disorders among asylum seekers, refugees and migrants from African countries: A scoping review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305495. [PMID: 38913631 PMCID: PMC11195976 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asylum seekers, migrants, and refugees from African countries may have significant health needs, resulting in economic implications for receiving countries around the world. The risk of mental illness is higher in these communities because of factors like violence, deprivation, and post-immigration challenges. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the literature to determine the prevalence, predictors, and economic impacts of mental health (MH) disorders among asylum seekers, migrants, and refugees from African countries. DESIGN AND METHODS In this scoping review, we followed the guidelines from PRISMA and CoCoPop. A modified version of the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS) was used to assess study quality for cross-sectional studies, while an appraisal list was used for qualitative studies based on the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). Inclusion criteria included peer-reviewed articles published in English, and articles based on official reports from credible institutions and organizations. Among the exclusion criteria were publications that were not peer reviewed or had not been sourced by credible sources, publications that did not meet the study topic or language criteria, mixed populations (including Africans and non-Africans), and research abstracts, reviews, news articles, commentary on study protocols, case reports, letters, and guidelines. DATA SOURCES A systematic search was carried out in Medline (via PubMed), EMBASE, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science and EBSCO, to identify relevant articles that were published between 1 January 2000 and 31 January 2024. RESULTS A total of 38 studies met the inclusion criteria, including 22 from African countries and three qualitative studies. In terms of number of countries contributing, Uganda was the largest (n = 7), followed by Italy (n = 4). The most studied conditions, using multiple diagnostic tools, were Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD, n = 19) and depression (n = 17). These studies all revealed elevated rates of mental health disorders among these groups, and these were related to migration, refugee-related factors, and traumatic events. Most of these groups are dominated by young males. There is, however, a prominent presence of minors and women who have suffered a variety of forms of violence, in particular sexual violence. Furthermore, mental illnesses, such as PTSD and depression, are not only persistent, but can also be transmitted to children. In accordance with our inclusion criteria, our review found only one study that examined the economic impact of MH disorders in these groups, leaving a significant knowledge gap. According to this randomized controlled trial, intervention to reduce psychological impairment can help young people stay in school, improve their quality-adjusted life year (QALY), and earn an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $7260 for each QALY gained. CONCLUSION Asylum seekers, migrants, and refugees from African countries are likely to experience MH needs, according to this scoping review. As well as posing persistent challenges, these disorders can also be transmissible to offspring. In addition to longitudinal studies of these groups, economic impact studies of mental illnesses are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael Osman
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Centre of Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Liverpool John Moores University in Partnership with UNICAF University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - France Ncube
- Liverpool John Moores University in Partnership with UNICAF University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Lupane State University, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | - Kamil Shaaban
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
- Suba University Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan
- Ibn Sina University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Alaa Dafallah
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Bowling AR, Klein AB, Sheikh IS, Dolezal ML, Alsubaie MK, Rosencrans PL, Walker RS, Bentley JA, Zoellner LA, Feeny NC. Perceived Need for a Faith-Based Trauma-Focused Treatment in a Sample of Forcibly Displaced Muslims. COGENT MENTAL HEALTH 2024; 3:1-18. [PMID: 38550624 PMCID: PMC10972603 DOI: 10.1080/28324765.2024.2305417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Forcibly displaced Muslims, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and asylum seekers who have fled their homes to escape violence, conflict, and persecution, often have inequitable access to quality mental health services, despite substantial trauma exposure and high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Understanding factors associated with domains of perceived need (i.e., community, individual, friends/family) for culturally-responsive, trauma-focused mental health interventions among forcibly displaced Muslims may provide insight into those most likely to seek psychological treatment. A sample of 108 forcibly displaced Muslims endorsed moderate to high perceived need across all three domains for a trauma healing group tailored for Muslim refugees. PTSD severity related to perceived individual need, regardless of locus of displacement. Among participants with minimal PTSD symptoms, those who were externally displaced had higher perceived community and friends or family need than those who were internally displaced. Findings highlight a need for culturally responsive, trauma-focused mental health services to facilitate access to mental health care for forcibly displaced Muslims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R. Bowling
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Psychological Sciences, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Alexandra B. Klein
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Psychological Sciences, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ifrah S. Sheikh
- University of Washington, Department of Psychology, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Michael L. Dolezal
- Seattle Pacific University, Department of Clinical Psychology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jacob A. Bentley
- Seattle Pacific University, Department of Clinical Psychology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lori A. Zoellner
- University of Washington, Department of Psychology, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Norah C. Feeny
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Psychological Sciences, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Epidemiology of depression among displaced people: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res 2022; 311:114493. [PMID: 35316692 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Displaced people are prone to develop mental health problems due to resettlement in new environments, traumatic events and forced migration. Depression is a mental health problem repeatedly observed among displaced people such as refugees, migrants, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Therefore, estimating the global pooled prevalence of depression as well as pinpointing its determinants may support policymakers and health care workers to mitigate the disease burden and improve the psychological well-being of displaced people. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHIL, Psych-INFO, and SCOPUS databases were searched for English written relevant observational studies conducted between 1984 and 2020. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS). Heterogeneity across studies was checked using the Q- and I2 test. Publication bias was checked by observing Funnel plot symmetry and using Egger's regression test. STATA 16 was used to combine studies using a random effect model. RESULTS Of the 4102 studies identified, 81 studies with an overall sample size of 53,458 were included in the current systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence estimate of depression among displaced people was 26.4% (95% CI; 22.2-31.1). Also, three in five IDPs, one in three refugees and asylum seekers and one in four migrants suffer from depression globally. Being female migrant [AOR: 2.46 95% CI: 1.79-3.13, I2=34.5%), non-partnered marital status [AOR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.29-3.30, I2= 0.00%], and perceived low social support [AOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.00-2.52, I2=34.6%] were significant determinants of depression among displaced people. CONCLUSION Overall, around 1 in 4 displaced people suffer from depression and exceed the prevalence of depression reported by community samples in different nations and demonstrate a need for culturally fitting and targeted responses from migrant/refugee host nations and their serving clinicians.
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Yamin JB, Sudan S, Lumley MA, Dhalimi A, Arnetz JE, Stemmer PM, Burghardt PR, Jamil H, Arnetz BB. The Development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Symptoms in Iraqi Refugees: Associations with Acculturation and C-reactive Protein. J Nerv Ment Dis 2021; 209:585-591. [PMID: 33958551 PMCID: PMC8544132 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Refugees experience distress from premigration trauma, often exacerbated by postmigration difficulties. To develop effective interventions, risk factors for mental health symptoms need to be determined. Male Iraqi refugees (N = 53) to the United States provided background information and reported predisplacement trauma and psychological health within 1 month of their arrival. An inflammatory biomarker-C-reactive protein (CRP) was assessed approximately 1.5 years after arrival, and a contextual factor-acculturation-and psychological health were assessed 2 years after arrival. We tested whether acculturation and CRP were associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms at the 2-year follow-up, controlling for baseline symptoms, age, body mass index, and predisplacement trauma. Acculturation was inversely related to depression, and CRP was positively related to both PTSD and depression at the 2-year follow-up. Interventions targeting acculturation could help reduce the development of depression symptoms in refugees. The role of CRP in the development of PTSD and depression symptoms warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolin B. Yamin
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, US
| | - Sukhesh Sudan
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, US
| | - Mark A. Lumley
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, US
| | - Abir Dhalimi
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, US
| | - Judith E. Arnetz
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, US
| | - Paul M. Stemmer
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, US
| | - Paul R. Burghardt
- Department of Food and Nutrition Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, US
| | - Hikmet Jamil
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, US
| | - Bengt B. Arnetz
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, US
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Alsubaie MK, Dolezal M, Sheikh IS, Rosencrans P, Walker RS, Zoellner LA, Bentley J. Religious coping, perceived discrimination, and posttraumatic growth in an international sample of forcibly displaced Muslims. Ment Health Relig Cult 2021; 24:976-992. [PMID: 36817369 PMCID: PMC9937443 DOI: 10.1080/13674676.2021.1973978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Displaced persons are exposed to trauma and experience posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTS). Many displaced Muslims come from communities that rely on religious practices to cope with traumatic experiences, and religious coping has been identified as predictive of posttraumatic growth (PTG). Discrimination may contribute to increased PTS and promote in-group identification. In this study, we hypothesized that perceived discrimination would enhance the relationship between religious coping and PTG. Results indicated that religious coping predicted PTG, but the overall interaction with discrimination was not significant. However, probing moderating effects at discrete levels of discrimination yielded enhanced relationship between religious coping and PTG at its mean and above until reaching the highest values of discrimination. For individuals who experience moderate to high levels of discrimination, religious coping increased PTG. These findings highlight the essential role of religious coping in promoting growth for many Muslims exposed to forced migration and elevated levels of discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed K. Alsubaie
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, USA,Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael Dolezal
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ifrah S. Sheikh
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Peter Rosencrans
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Lori A. Zoellner
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jacob Bentley
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, USA
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García-Cid A, Gómez-Jacinto L, Hombrados-Mendieta I, Millán-Franco M, Moscato G. Discrimination and Psychosocial Well-Being of Migrants in Spain: The Moderating Role of Sense of Community. Front Psychol 2020; 11:2235. [PMID: 33071850 PMCID: PMC7531257 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The discrimination migrants perceive during their adaptation process is one of the main sources of stress and it affects their well-being, health and integration severely. The present study analyses how the sense of community (SOC) can have a protective effect against the perception of discrimination and its negative consequences by verifying the following theoretical model: discrimination predicts three indicators of psychosocial well-being (psychological distress, satisfaction with life and feelings of social exclusion). Furthermore, the theoretical model proposed also considers the hypothesis that SOC has a moderating role on the effect of perceived discrimination regarding the three variables mentioned above. 1714 migrants from Eastern Europe, Africa and Latin America who live in Málaga, Spain, participated in the study. Data were collected using random-route sampling and survey methodology. After carrying out multiple regression analyses, using the PROCESS tool in SPSS 20, the theoretical model was verified: SOC reduces the negative effects of perceived discrimination for the variables psychological distress, satisfaction with life and social exclusion feelings. Therefore, migrants who have a greater SOC experience fewer negative consequences, as compared to those with a lower SOC, for whom the consequences of such variables are more negative. These results highlight the importance for migrants to rebuild social networks in the host country and develop a good SOC. Results also allow the development of intervention patterns to favor positive interactions between native population and migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba García-Cid
- Department of Social Psychology, Social Work, Social Anthropology and East Asian Studies, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Faculty of Psychology, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Luis Gómez-Jacinto
- Department of Social Psychology, Social Work, Social Anthropology and East Asian Studies, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Faculty of Social and Labour Studies, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Isabel Hombrados-Mendieta
- Department of Social Psychology, Social Work, Social Anthropology and East Asian Studies, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Faculty of Psychology, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Mario Millán-Franco
- Department of Social Psychology, Social Work, Social Anthropology and East Asian Studies, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Faculty of Social and Labour Studies, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Gianluigi Moscato
- Department of Social Psychology, Social Work, Social Anthropology and East Asian Studies, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Faculty of Social and Labour Studies, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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Ahmad F, Othman N, Hynie M, Bayoumi AM, Oda A, McKenzie K. Depression-level symptoms among Syrian refugees: findings from a Canadian longitudinal study. J Ment Health 2020; 30:246-254. [PMID: 32438842 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2020.1765998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canada launched the Syrian Refugee Resettlement Initiative in 2015 and resettled over 40,000 refugees. AIM To evaluate the prevalence of depression-level symptoms at baseline and one year post-resettlement and analyze its predictors. METHODS Data come from the Syrian Refugee Integration and Long-term Health Outcomes in Canada study (SyRIA.lth) involving 1924 Syrian refugees recruited through a variety of community-based strategies. Data were collected using structured interviews in 2017 and 2018. Depression symptoms were measured using Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). Analysis for associated factors was executed using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS Mean age was 38.5 years (SD 13.8). Sample included 49% males and 51% females settled in Ontario (48%), Quebec (36%) and British Columbia (16%). Over 74% always needed an interpreter, and only 23% were in employment. Prevalence of depression-level symptoms was 15% at baseline and 18% in year-2 (p < 0.001). Significant predictors of depression-level symptoms at year-2 were baseline depression, sponsorship program, province, poor language skills, lack of satisfaction with housing conditions and with health services, lower perceived control, lower perceived social support and longer stay in Canada. CONCLUSION Increase in depression-level symptoms deserves attention through focusing on identified predictors particularly baseline depression scores, social support, perceived control and language ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Ahmad
- School of Health Policy and Management, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nasih Othman
- School of Health Policy and Management, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michaela Hynie
- Department of Psychology/Centre for Refugee Studies, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ahmed M Bayoumi
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Anna Oda
- Centre for Refugee Studies, Refugee Integration and Long-term Health Outcomes in Canada, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kwame McKenzie
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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