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Gonzalez C, Humberstone E, Willott C. 'You are too much in this modern world, that's why you are like this': Understanding perceptions of mental health among Somali women in London. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300299. [PMID: 39423214 PMCID: PMC11488716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300299] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 10/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This is a qualitative study exploring the perceptions of mental health among Somali women living in London. Participants, over the age of 18, female and identifying as Somali, were recruited from a community centre in West London. Seven participants were recruited and semi-structured interviews were conducted to better understand perceptions of mental health, care-seeking, treatment and different understandings of these issues within the Somali community in London. Interview transcripts were imported into NVIVO version 14 to be coded, and description-focussed coding and thematic analysis were used to interpret key themes. Concerns around judgement, shame and stigma are key issues affecting attitudes towards mental health in this group. Other important issues affecting conceptualisations and attitudes towards mental health were intergenerational differences, isolation from the community, stigma and secrecy. Participants also reported the importance of protective factors, particularly faith and family in their lives. This research adds to existing literature in exploring perceptions of mental health in Somali communities in the UK and such research is helpful in identifying cultural barriers to recognition and treatment of mental health within this community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Gonzalez
- Department of Population Health Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Humberstone
- Department of Population Health Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Willott
- Department of Population Health Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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2
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Mastrogiovanni N, Byrow Y, Nickerson A. The Development and Validation of a Measure of Mental Health, Help-Seeking Beliefs in Arabic-Speaking Refugees. Assessment 2024; 31:1359-1377. [PMID: 38159035 PMCID: PMC11408969 DOI: 10.1177/10731911231220482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Despite reporting elevated rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), refugees are less likely than other groups to seek psychological treatment. Relatively little attention has been paid to the role of negative help-seeking beliefs in influencing treatment uptake. The current study sought to develop and psychometrically validate a novel measure indexing negative help-seeking beliefs for refugees (Help-Seeking Beliefs Scale [HSBS]). In this study, 262 Arabic-speaking refugee participants completed an online survey consisting of the HSBS along with measures indexing similar constructs (self-stigma of PTSD and help-seeking, perceived stigma, negative help-seeking attitudes, and help-seeking intentions). Factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure aligning with key themes identified in the literature: (a) Fear of Negative Consequences, (b) Inappropriateness, and (c) Perceived Necessity. The scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency, convergent validity, and predicted reduced help-seeking intentions. Results support the utility of a novel measure capturing a prominent help-seeking barrier in a population with high psychopathology and low treatment uptake.
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Garikana S, Mathew D, Hollowell S. Psychosis Associated With Hyperglycemia in a Female Patient With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report. Cureus 2024; 16:e61597. [PMID: 38962606 PMCID: PMC11221617 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper presents the case of a 22-year-old woman who was hospitalized multiple times with episodes of psychosis co-occurring with hyperglycemia. Her psychosis was characterized by auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, and disorganized speech and behavior. The patient has a prior medical history of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and Graves' disease and was non-adherent to diabetic diet and medications. The patient is a Somalian refugee who moved to the United States (US) a year ago. We explore the relatively unique observation of hyperglycemia-induced psychosis in the patient, specifically in the context of autoimmune disorders. We also discuss some of the complexities associated with the cultural aspects of mental health and diabetes management in refugee communities and their implications in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Garikana
- Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Psychiatry, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA
| | - Diane Mathew
- Psychiatry, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA
| | - Soojae Hollowell
- Psychiatry, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA
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Ziyachi M, Castellani B. A 'Cultural Models' Approach to Psychotherapy for Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A Case Study from the UK. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:650. [PMID: 38791864 PMCID: PMC11121039 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Despite the existence of significant research on the mental health care challenges of migrants, particularly refugees and asylum seekers, less attention has been paid to treatment approaches. We used a case study from the UK to look at the topic from a cultural models approach (which comes from cognitive anthropology) to analyse migrants' experiences with mental health care. Twenty-five refugees and asylum seekers living in North East England and Northern Ireland were interviewed who had used at least six sessions of talking therapy during the last three years. Our results suggested that adopting a 'cultural models' approach, which offers a new conceptual and methodological framework of migrants' experiences and their underlying schemas and expectations, would significantly contribute to building therapeutic alliances and provide relevant and appropriate treatments for migrant clients, particularly for unrecognised pre- and post-migration traumatic experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohaddeseh Ziyachi
- Department of Sociology, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK;
- Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Brian Castellani
- Department of Sociology, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK;
- Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
- Durham Research Methods Centre, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
- Centre for the Evaluation of Complexity Across the Nexus, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
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Krzyż EZ, Lin HR. Meta-synthesis of mental healthcare-seeking behavior - Perspectives of refugees and asylum seekers. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2024; 49:10-22. [PMID: 38734444 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2024.01.010] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The number of refugees and asylum seekers worldwide is increasing, and these populations often experience significant mental health challenges due to their difficult life experiences. This study aims to explore the perspectives of refugees and asylum seekers regarding their behavior when seeking mental healthcare. We conducted a meta-synthesis of thirteen articles published between January 2000 and January 2023. The study identified four main themes: understanding of mental health, utilization of health services, the role of society, and necessary interventions. Based on our findings, we provided recommendations for healthcare providers, governments, and researchers to improve the mental healthcare-seeking behavior of these populations in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Zuzanna Krzyż
- School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Ru Lin
- School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Madsen J, Jobson L, Slewa-Younan S, Li H, King K. Mental health literacy among Arab men living in high-income Western countries: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Soc Sci Med 2024; 346:116718. [PMID: 38489937 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
While interest in mental health literacy (MHL) is growing rapidly, cross-cultural research focusing on MHL is developing more slowly. This inaugural systematic review explored the recognition and beliefs about the causes of mental health disorders amongst Arab men living in high income Western countries (HIWC), their help-seeking beliefs, behaviors, and sources of help, as well as barriers and facilitators to help-seeking. Six electronic database searches were conducted using Medline, Embase, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. These searches yielded a total of 9,460 citations. After applying inclusion criteria through both database and manual hand searches, 46 studies were identified. The findings corresponded with four of the socioecological model's five factors: intrapersonal, interpersonal, societal, and institutional. Intrapersonal factors included attributing mental health illness to life and migration stressors, and religious reasons. Interpersonal and societal factors included men favoring informal help-seeking sources as stigma was a barrier to formal help-seeking. Institutional factors around the perceived cultural competence of healthcare professionals and access difficulties were obstacles to seeking formal help. The growth in Arab migration to HIWC highlights the need for culturally tailored care. Research is needed to understand the perspectives of healthcare providers working with Arab men in addition to how men's stigmatizing attitudes are an obstacle to formal help-seeking. Interventions should be designed to address the unique mental health needs of Arab men, recognizing that some explanatory beliefs may not align with current Western models of mental health. Moreover, efforts should be made to integrate men's informal sources of support into treatment planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Madsen
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Building 17, 18 Innovation Walk, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Laura Jobson
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Building 17, 18 Innovation Walk, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Shameran Slewa-Younan
- Macarthur Clinical School, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 275, Australia.
| | - Haoxiang Li
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Building 17, 18 Innovation Walk, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Kylie King
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Building 17, 18 Innovation Walk, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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Ermansons G, Kienzler H, Schofield P. Somali refugees in urban neighborhoods: an eco-social study of mental health and wellbeing. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1307509. [PMID: 38439798 PMCID: PMC10910043 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1307509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Impact of pre-migration trauma and post-migration settlement on refugee mental health and wellbeing is well-documented. However, little research has focused on the specific places where refugees settle and spend their daily lives within the post-migration context. This study adopts an eco-social perspective to explore the relationship between urban neighborhoods and refugee mental health and wellbeing. Methods We conducted twenty-six qualitative interviews with Somali refugees in London and Bristol in the UK. The transcripts were coded using an inductive approach and analyzed through thematic analysis. Results Somali refugees navigate a complex urban environment comprising various neighborhood features which include important places near home, interactions with neighbors, and community spaces. While these features afford them resources to improve mental health and wellbeing, they also present challenges such as high urban density, exposure to violence or discrimination, and neighborhood disorder. Conclusion The societal and physical features of urban neighborhoods intersect with refugee experiences of adversity, trauma and stress over time. As eco-social niches, urban neighborhoods are both accommodating, safe and familiar, as well as alien, threatening and unwelcoming. To support mental health and wellbeing and ensure successful settlement, it is essential to recognize the agency of refugees and provide continuous support throughout the entire asylum process and after, ensuring stable and safe living conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guntars Ermansons
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hanna Kienzler
- Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Schofield
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Life Course & Population Sciences, King’s College London, London, 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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Johnson-Agbakwu CE, Fox KA, Banke-Thomas A, Michlig GJ. Influence of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting on Health Morbidity, Health Service Utilization and Satisfaction with Care among Somali Women and Teenage Girls in the United States. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:788-796. [PMID: 35258838 PMCID: PMC9988763 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01266-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is scant evidence on the health morbidities experienced by Somali women and girls affected by female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and their resultant health-seeking behavior in the USA as compared to those who have not undergone the procedure. To fill this gap, we conducted a comprehensive examination of health morbidity among women and teenage girls with and without FGM/C in a Somali migrant community. METHODS Using a comprehensive community-based participatory research approach, a cross-sectional survey was administered to 879 Somali women and teenage girls in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. We employed Chi-square and analysis of variance to disentangle health and healthcare use among those with and without FGM/C. RESULTS The majority of respondents had undergone FGM/C (79%). Respondents with FGM/C experienced significantly more health concerns compared to uncut women and girls, with those possessing Type III FGM/C experiencing significantly more obstetric, gynecologic, sexual, and mental health morbidity than those with Type I or Type II. Rates of service use, while varied, were low overall, particularly for mental health services, even with health insurance. The majority of respondents who sought care indicated that their concerns were resolved, and they were satisfied with the healthcare received. CONCLUSIONS Community-engaged strategies that build upon satisfaction with care of women who seek care to enhance trust, nurture community embeddedness and facilitate peer navigation, while equipping health and social service providers with the competency and tools to provide respectful, trauma-informed care, will be critical to advance health equity for FGM/C-affected communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crista E Johnson-Agbakwu
- Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,School of Medicine, Creighton University, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,District Medical Group, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Kathleen A Fox
- Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA.,School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas
- School of Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, UK. .,LSE Health, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK.
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de-Graft Aikins A, Sanuade O, Baatiema L, Adjaye-Gbewonyo K, Addo J, Agyemang C. How chronic conditions are understood, experienced and managed within African communities in Europe, North America and Australia: A synthesis of qualitative studies. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0277325. [PMID: 36791113 PMCID: PMC9931108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the lived experiences of chronic conditions among African communities in the Global North, focusing on established immigrant communities as well as recent immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking communities. We conducted a systematic and narrative synthesis of qualitative studies published from inception to 2022, following a search from nine databases-MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Social Science Citation Index, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, SCOPUS and AMED. 39 articles reporting 32 qualitative studies were included in the synthesis. The studies were conducted in 10 countries (Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States) and focused on 748 participants from 27 African countries living with eight conditions: type 2 diabetes, hypertension, prostate cancer, sickle cell disease, chronic hepatitis, chronic pain, musculoskeletal orders and mental health conditions. The majority of participants believed chronic conditions to be lifelong, requiring complex interventions. Chronic illness impacted several domains of everyday life-physical, sexual, psycho-emotional, social, and economic. Participants managed their illness using biomedical management, traditional medical treatment and faith-based coping, in isolation or combination. In a number of studies, participants took 'therapeutic journeys'-which involved navigating illness action at home and abroad, with the support of transnational therapy networks. Multi-level barriers to healthcare were reported across the majority of studies: these included individual (changing food habits), social (stigma) and structural (healthcare disparities). We outline methodological and interpretive limitations, such as limited engagement with multi-ethnic and intergenerational differences. However, the studies provide an important insights on a much-ignored area that intersects healthcare for African communities in the Global North and medical pluralism on the continent; they also raise important conceptual, methodological and policy challenges for national health programmes on healthcare disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ama de-Graft Aikins
- Institute of Advanced Studies, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Olutobi Sanuade
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Leonard Baatiema
- Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kafui Adjaye-Gbewonyo
- Faculty of Education, Health and Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Juliet Addo
- Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Kasa GA, Kaba M. Preferences for Health Care and Its Determinants Among Mentally Ill Patients of the West Shoa Zone Community, Oromia, Ethiopia. Patient Prefer Adherence 2023; 17:557-570. [PMID: 36915385 PMCID: PMC10007862 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s393903] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 9 million people die from mental diseases each year, making them the second highest cause of mortality and the primary cause of disability worldwide. OBJECTIVE To explore the preferences for health care and its determinants among mentally ill patients in the West Shoa Zone Community in Oromia, Ethiopia, from July 11-September 20, 2022. METHODS The preference for health care and its determinants among mentally ill patients in the West Shoa Zone community were explored using an ethnographical study. Purposefully, a total of 16 FGD participants and 10 unstructured interview subjects, who had pertinent experiences and perspectives, were carefully selected from the urban and district levels. Data was collected utilizing two approaches in a triangulated manner and then coded, findings were contextualized, and a thematic plot was developed for thematic analysis. RESULTS In this study, in response to the questions, three main findings were thematized according to the causes, and six sub-themes were framed under the themes according to the preferences for treatment among mentally ill patients. The themes that emerged from the data were; 1. Supernatural causes, 2. Traditional non-spiritual beliefs and practices; and 3. Medico-surgical problems. The majority of the participants responded that residents preferred religious spiritualists the most (46%), followed by traditional counselors (Wabeka) (19%), traditional spiritualists (15%), institutional care (12%), herbalists (4%), and psychologists (4%). CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS In this study, the most commonly perceived causes of mental illnesses were bad spirits, devilish activity, and engaging in actions that violated social norms and regulations. Religious spiritualists were the study's first choice for mental health care. This study advises collaboration and a shared strategy between health care professionals and traditional and religious stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getachew Adela Kasa
- School of Public Health, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Getachew Adela Kasa, School of Public Health, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, PO Box 1271, Gulele Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tel +251919292590; +2514793932709, Fax +251112-78-85-92, Email
| | - Mirgissa Kaba
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Kuppens E, van den Broek T. Social integration and mental health of Somali refugees in the Netherlands: the role of perceived discrimination. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2223. [PMID: 36447151 PMCID: PMC9710139 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14655-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assess whether social integration is associated with mental health among Somali refugees in the Netherlands, and how this association is shaped by perceived discrimination. METHODS We performed linear regression and formal mediation analyses on Survey Integration Minorities data (n = 417) to assess whether the effects of two facets of social integration - Dutch language proficiency and informal contacts with natives - on mental health were mediated or suppressed by perceived discrimination. RESULTS Dutch language proficiency was positively associated with mental health, but also with perceived discrimination. Informal contact with natives was not significantly associated with mental health or perceived discrimination. There was marginally significant evidence (p < .1) that perceived discrimination suppressed the positive association between Dutch language proficiency and mental health. DISCUSSION Greater Dutch language proficiency appears to be beneficial for Somali refugees' mental health, but this effect may partly be cancelled by the associated stronger experiences of discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Kuppens
- grid.6906.90000000092621349Department of Socio-Medical Sciences, Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, PO Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs van den Broek
- grid.6906.90000000092621349Department of Socio-Medical Sciences, Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, PO Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Roth M, Lahti M, Gustafsson N, Berg J, Kaitala E, Kuosmanen L. Non-European immigrants' self-described strategies for mental health promotion and perceptions of Finnish mental health services: A qualitative descriptive analysis. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2022; 58:3016-3023. [PMID: 35445746 PMCID: PMC9790472 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.13096] [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: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to describe non-European immigrants' perceptions toward mental health care in Finland and the factors that support their mental health. DESIGN AND METHODS Participants (N = 17) were interviewed through semistructured interviews, after which interview transcripts were analyzed using a six-phase thematic analysis process. FINDINGS The participants reported that developing self-help strategies benefitted their mental health. The participants primarily preferred unprofessional help over professional mental health care. Several structural and cultural barriers to help-seeking were identified. PRACTICAL IMPLICATION Health care staff working with immigrants need proper education and knowledge to provide sufficient, holistic care; for this reason, information about the cultural differences among immigrants and cultural sensitivity should be included in basic as well as post-graduate nursing education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minni Roth
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mari Lahti
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Noora Gustafsson
- Department of Nursing, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Turku, Finland
| | - Johanna Berg
- Department of Nursing, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Turku, Finland
| | - Elina Kaitala
- Department of Nursing, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Turku, Finland
| | - Lauri Kuosmanen
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Neville SE, DiClemente-Bosco K, Chamlagai LK, Bunn M, Freeman J, Berent JM, Gautam B, Abdi A, Betancourt TS. Investigating Outcomes of a Family Strengthening Intervention for Resettled Somali Bantu and Bhutanese Refugees: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12415. [PMID: 36231735 PMCID: PMC9566609 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Pre- and post-migration stressors can put resettled refugee children at risk of poor mental health outcomes. The Family Strengthening Intervention for Refugees (FSI-R) is a peer-delivered preventative home visiting program for resettled refugees that aims to draw upon families' strengths to foster improved family communication, positive parenting, and caregiver-child relationships, with the ultimate goal of reducing children's risk of mental health problems. Using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, this study draws upon qualitative interviews with caregivers (n = 19) and children (n = 17) who participated in a pilot study of the FSI-R intervention in New England, as well as interventionists (n = 4), to unpack quantitative findings on mental health and family functioning from a randomized pilot study (n = 80 families). Most patterns observed in the quantitative data as published in the pilot trial were triangulated by qualitative data. Bhutanese caregivers and children noted that children were less shy or scared to speak up after participating in the FSI-R. Somali Bantu families spoke less about child mental health and underscored feasibility challenges like language barriers between caregivers and children. Interventionists suggested that families with higher levels of education were more open to implementing behavior change. In both groups, families appreciated the intervention and found it to be feasible and acceptable, but also desired additional help in addressing broader family and community needs such as jobs and literacy programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Elizabeth Neville
- Intenational Health Institute, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Kira DiClemente-Bosco
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Lila K. Chamlagai
- Brown Mindfulness Center, Behavioral Health and Social Science Department, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Mary Bunn
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jordan Freeman
- Bill & Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jenna M. Berent
- Research Program on Children in Adversity, School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA
| | - Bhuwan Gautam
- College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | | | - Theresa S. Betancourt
- Research Program on Children in Adversity, School of Social Work, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA
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15
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Weith J, Fondacaro K, Khin PP. Practitioners' Perspectives on Barriers and Benefits of Telemental Health Services: The Unique Impact of COVID-19 on Resettled U.S. Refugees and Asylees. Community Ment Health J 2022; 59:609-621. [PMID: 36166148 PMCID: PMC9514161 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-022-01025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated sequelae have disproportionately exacerbated refugee mental health due to health disparities, poverty, and unique risk factors. In response to the pandemic, most mental health providers have shifted to virtual platforms. Given the high need for services in this population, it is essential to understand the effectiveness and potential barriers to serving refugees via telehealth. This study is one of the first to examine the extent that socio-cultural and structural barriers impact telemental health services received by resettled refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also addresses the potential benefits of telemental health service delivery to refugees. We surveyed 85 providers serving refugee and non-refugee clients in the United States. Statistical analyses revealed that more significant socio-cultural and structural barriers, including access to technology, linguistic challenges, and privacy limitations, exist for refugees compared to non-refugee clients. Potential benefits of telemental health for refugees during the pandemic included fewer cancellations, fewer transportation concerns, and better access to childcare. These results highlight the need to address the disparity in telemental health service delivery to refugees to limit inequities for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Weith
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, 600 Hilltop Dr. Kent, 44240, Kent, OH, USA.
| | - Karen Fondacaro
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont Behavior & Health, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Phyu Pannu Khin
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont Behavior & Health, Burlington, VT, USA
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16
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Meyer C, Heinzl L, Kampisiou C, Triliva S, Knaevelsrud C, Stammel N. Do Gender and Country of Residence Matter? A Mixed Methods Study on Lay Causal Beliefs about PTSD. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11594. [PMID: 36141867 PMCID: PMC9517544 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811594] [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: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Laypersons' causal beliefs about mental disorders can differ considerably from medical or psychosocial clinicians' models as they are shaped by social and cultural context and by personal experiences. This study aimed at identifying differences in causal beliefs about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by country and gender. A cross-sectional, vignette-based online survey was conducted with 737 participants from Germany, Greece, Ecuador, Mexico, and Russia. Participants were presented with a short unlabeled case vignette describing a person with symptoms of PTSD. Causal beliefs were assessed using an open-ended question asking for the three most likely causes. Answers were analyzed using thematic analysis. Afterwards, themes were transformed into categorical variables to analyze differences by country and by gender. Qualitative analyses revealed a wide range of different causal beliefs. Themes differed by gender, with women tending to mention more external causal beliefs. Themes also differed between the five countries but the differences between countries were more pronounced for women than for men. In conclusion, causal beliefs were multifaceted among laypersons and shared basic characteristics with empirically derived risk factors. The more pronounced differences for women suggest that potential gender effects should be considered in cross-cultural research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Meyer
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Louisa Heinzl
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christina Kampisiou
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sofia Triliva
- Department of Psychology, University of Crete, 74100 Rethymno, Greece
| | - Christine Knaevelsrud
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadine Stammel
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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17
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What mental illness means in different cultures: Perceptions of mental health among refugees from various countries of origin. Ment Health (Lond) 2022. [DOI: 10.56508/mhgcj.v5i2.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Mental illness remains a significant issue in refugees worldwide. Internationally, there continues to be stigma surrounding mental health, mental illness, and mental health treatment. Cultural stigma is just one of many barriers to mental healthcare for refugees. Perceptions of mental health are culture-specific and continue to play a role in refugees.
Purpose: The purpose of this review study is to make distinctions between the perceptions of mental health of refugees based on country of origin because knowing these cultural differences has the potential to improve refugee mental healthcare. This knowledge could contribute to treatment approaches and help break some of the barriers to mental healthcare for refugees.
Methodology: An extensive literature review of relevant articles published between 2000-2021 was performed using the databases APA PsycInfo, Global Health, MEDLINE via Ovid, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, and Google Scholar. The following search terms, in addition to other related and relevant terms, were used: “mental health, refugees, mental health barriers, perceptions of mental illness, country of origin.”
Results: There were both numerous similarities and differences between the perceptions of mental health among refugees from different cultures. There were similarities in terms of mental health stigma, with certain cultures thinking of mental health/illness as taboo, as shameful, or associating it with evil spirits. A few of the cultures studied had similar ideas about the causes of mental illness, believing it was due to traumatic events or possession by evil spirits. The refugee groups had some common treatment options, including informal conversation, religious-based ideas, and community-level solutions. Some differences between refugees from different cultures involved certain symptoms associated with mental health, including physical symptoms, and differing degrees of religiosity.
Discussion: Based on studies reviewed about the perceptions of mental health of various refugee cultures, many recommendations are proposed to improve refugee mental healthcare. Suggestions include focusing on cultural competency and community-level solutions, in addition to implementing mobile health clinics and telehealth.
Conclusions: This review discusses the perceptions of mental health, mental illness, and mental health treatment of refugees from numerous countries of origin. It is unique in its inclusion of different groups of refugees. Culture seems to play a significant role in the perceptions encountered. Keeping culture in mind, several recommendations are made to improve refugee mental healthcare, such as more integrative treatment methods and telehealth.
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Mohamed AA, Lantz K, Ahmed YA, Osman A, Nur MA, Nur O, Njeru JW, Sia IG, Wieland ML. An Assessment of Health Priorities Among a Community Sample of Somali Adults. J Immigr Minor Health 2022; 24:455-460. [PMID: 33740189 PMCID: PMC7975235 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-021-01166-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Somali immigrants are one of the largest African populations to resettle in the United States since 1990. There is an emerging literature base of disease-specific studies among Somali immigrants. However, we are aware of no studies on the health priorities for Somalis from the community's perspective. Somali adults in Minnesota completed a survey conducted by a community-based participatory research partnership on individual and community health priorities. Data were reported as counts and frequencies. 646 participants completed the survey. The most important health issues for individuals and their families were health behaviors (22.7%), diabetes (18.2%), and hypertension (14.4%), while those of the community were diabetes (22.5%), hypertension (18.8%) and weight (15.9%). This study found a significant overlap of health priorities among Somali individuals and their families compared to the community. These health priorities underscore the need to focus on non-communicable diseases among Somali immigrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Mohamed
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Kiley Lantz
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Yahye A Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Ahmed Osman
- Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mohamud A Nur
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Omar Nur
- Somali American Social Service Association, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jane W Njeru
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Irene G Sia
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Mark L Wieland
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
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Michlig GJ, Johnson-Agbakwu C, Surkan PJ. "Whatever you hide, also hides you": A discourse analysis on mental health and service use in an American community of Somalis. Soc Sci Med 2021; 292:114563. [PMID: 34776285 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
After decades of refugee displacement, Somalis are at increased risk for poor mental health. However, uptake of treatment referrals in primary care is low among Somalis compared to other refugee groups. The objective of this analysis was to understand specific resistances to US mental health care contributing to this gap in coverage. One hundred and sixty-eight Somali men and women over the age of 14, participated in 28 focus group from October 2017 to November 2018 discussing wellbeing and healthcare in the US. Transcripts were analyzed based on critical discourse theory, informed by the theoretical work of Michel Foucault. This study identified two primary discourses, one biomedical and the other driven by Somali community mental health knowledge and social practice. Mental health as an object of Muslim faith, nosological fusion of psychiatric illness terms, and stigmatization and internal social control to limit disclosure were discussed. US mental health services were described as giving off a bad vibe, and represented external institutions of power, exacerbated by perceived discrimination. Somali youth occupied social bridging positions between cultural vs. US knowledge and practice. Three negotiating discourses emerged wherein participants created discursive solutions to these sites of resistance, including 1) how the social acceptability of seeking psychological care might be increased while maintaining Somali emotional resilience, 2) stressing the need to seek medical care as a practical supplement to spiritual care, and 3) highlighting the need for Somali youth to enter health fields. Findings suggest that intervention strategies not only ensure that services are culturally appropriate and sensitive to religion, but also consider that services are potentially seen as both an extension of US institutional power and an affront to Somali identity making. Overcoming these challenges may involve nurturing the negotiating discourses taken up by communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia J Michlig
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, USA.
| | | | - Pamela J Surkan
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, USA
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20
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Hawkes C, Norris K, Joyce J, Paton D. A qualitative investigation of mental health in women of refugee background resettled in Tasmania, Australia. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1877. [PMID: 34663290 PMCID: PMC8525024 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11934-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Women of Refugee Background (WoRB) are a highly vulnerable population with complex going mental health needs following resettlement. In Australia, there has been a substantial increase in WoRB being resettled in rural and regional locations. Despite this, no research to date has specifically focused on factors contributing to mental distress in WoRB in regional resettlement locations. The current study aimed to address this gap in literature. Methods 21 semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with WoRB and service providers in regional locations of Tasmania, Australia. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed utilising Braun and Clarke (Qual Res Psychol 3(2):77–101, 2006) framework for conducting thematic analysis. Results Thematic analysis revealed that WoRB conceptualised mental health as a pathogenic entity, which significantly influenced their mental health help-seeking behaviours. The findings also highlighted how resettlement to a rural and regional location of Australia may exacerbate many of the factors which contribute to ongoing mental distress in WoRB. Conclusions The findings of the current study build upon existing research which indicates the adverse impacts post-migrations stressors can have on the mental health of individuals of refugee background. Furthermore, this study suggests that the current services and supports available to WoRB resettled in regional locations of Australia are inadequate, and under-resources. These findings are discussed in regard to practical and policy implications which should be addressed to better support the mental health of WoRB resettled in rural and regional locations of Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Hawkes
- College of Health and Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina, Darwin, NT, 0811, Australia.
| | - Kimberley Norris
- School of Medicine (Psychology), University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - Janine Joyce
- College of Health and Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina, Darwin, NT, 0811, Australia
| | - Douglas Paton
- College of Health and Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina, Darwin, NT, 0811, Australia
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21
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Ekeberg KA, Abebe DS. Mental disorders among young adults of immigrant background: a nationwide register study in Norway. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2021; 56:953-962. [PMID: 33156357 PMCID: PMC8192316 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-020-01980-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous research indicates increased risk of various mental disorders in immigrant populations, particularly for schizophrenia and PTSD. However, findings are inconclusive due to variations in contextual factors, characteristics of immigrant groups and study design. Our study aims to investigate prevalence differences of receiving an ICD-10 psychiatric diagnosis between 2008 and 2016 among four first-generation immigrant groups and one second-generation immigrant group compared to ethnic Norwegians. METHODS Linked register data from the Norwegian Patient Registry and Statistics Norway were utilised. The sample (age 18-35) comprises 758,774 ethnic Norwegians, 61,124 immigrants originating from Poland, Somalia, Iran and Pakistan and 4630 s-generation Pakistani immigrants. Age- and gender-adjusted binary logistic regression models were applied. RESULTS The odds of schizophrenia were significantly elevated for all groups except for Poles. The highest odds were observed for second-generation Pakistani immigrants (adjusted OR 2.72, 95% CI 2.21-3.35). For PTSD, the odds were significantly increased for Somalis (aOR 1.31, 95% CI 1.11-1.54), second-generation Pakistani immigrants (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.11-1.70), and in particular for Iranians (aOR 3.99, 95% CI 3.51-4.54). While Iranians showed similar or higher odds of receiving the vast majority of psychiatric diagnoses, the remaining groups showed lower or similar odds compared to ethnic Norwegians. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest considerable prevalence differences in receiving a psychiatric diagnosis according to country of origin and generational status compared to ethnic Norwegian controls. The general pattern was lower prevalence of most ICD-10 mental disorders for the majority of immigrant groups compared to ethnic Norwegians, except for schizophrenia and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dawit Shawel Abebe
- grid.412414.60000 0000 9151 4445Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway ,grid.412929.50000 0004 0627 386XNorwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
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22
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"Crazy person is crazy person. It doesn't differentiate": an exploration into Somali views of mental health and access to healthcare in an established UK Somali community. Int J Equity Health 2020; 19:190. [PMID: 33109227 PMCID: PMC7592587 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-020-01295-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health conditions have been shown to disproportionately affect those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. Somali communities globally have relatively high levels of mental illness, but low levels of mental health service use, with numerous barriers to care identified. This study was conducted in an established UK Somali community in the South West of England and aimed to explore community beliefs and views about the causes of mental illness, treatment for mental illness, and access to medical services in general. Participants were asked about how mental health and illness are understood and conceptualised, along with the cultural meaning of mental illness and its manifestations in relation to men, women and young people. Design Using a community-based participatory research design, in partnership with local Somali community organisations, the research team conducted four focus groups with a total of 23 participants aged over 18. Open-ended questions were used to facilitate discussion. Transcripts were analysed thematically. Results The participants discussed the role of migration and associated stress from the civil war and how that could contribute to mental illness. Participants tended to view the symptoms of mental illness as physical manifestations such as headaches and to describe a strong community stigma where those with mental health conditions were viewed as “crazy” by others. Barriers to accessing healthcare included language barriers, waiting times and a mistrust of doctors. Various ideas for improvements were discussed, including ideas to reduce stigma and ideas for community initiatives. Conclusion Cultural considerations and reducing stigma are vital in improving understanding of mental illness and improving access to mental health services, along with building relationships and trust between the Somali community and health care workers.
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23
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Linney C, Ye S, Redwood S, Mohamed A, Farah A, Biddle L, Crawley E. "Crazy person is crazy person. It doesn't differentiate": an exploration into Somali views of mental health and access to healthcare in an established UK Somali community. Int J Equity Health 2020; 19:190. [PMID: 33109227 PMCID: PMC7592587 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-020-01295-0#citeas] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health conditions have been shown to disproportionately affect those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. Somali communities globally have relatively high levels of mental illness, but low levels of mental health service use, with numerous barriers to care identified. This study was conducted in an established UK Somali community in the South West of England and aimed to explore community beliefs and views about the causes of mental illness, treatment for mental illness, and access to medical services in general. Participants were asked about how mental health and illness are understood and conceptualised, along with the cultural meaning of mental illness and its manifestations in relation to men, women and young people. DESIGN Using a community-based participatory research design, in partnership with local Somali community organisations, the research team conducted four focus groups with a total of 23 participants aged over 18. Open-ended questions were used to facilitate discussion. Transcripts were analysed thematically. RESULTS The participants discussed the role of migration and associated stress from the civil war and how that could contribute to mental illness. Participants tended to view the symptoms of mental illness as physical manifestations such as headaches and to describe a strong community stigma where those with mental health conditions were viewed as "crazy" by others. Barriers to accessing healthcare included language barriers, waiting times and a mistrust of doctors. Various ideas for improvements were discussed, including ideas to reduce stigma and ideas for community initiatives. CONCLUSION Cultural considerations and reducing stigma are vital in improving understanding of mental illness and improving access to mental health services, along with building relationships and trust between the Somali community and health care workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Linney
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU UK
| | - Siyan Ye
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU UK
| | | | | | | | - Lucy Biddle
- ARC West, Bristol, UK ,grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Esther Crawley
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU UK
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24
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La Roche MJ, Bloom JB. Examining the effectiveness of the Cultural Formulation Interview with young children: A clinical illustration. Transcult Psychiatry 2020; 57:515-524. [PMID: 29956584 DOI: 10.1177/1363461518780605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
After years of extensive research, the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) was released in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Similar to its predecessor, the Outline of the Cultural Formulation (OCF), the CFI aims to refine the psychiatric assessment process by systematically examining cultural factors. However, in contrast to the OCF which employs open-ended questions, the CFI uses a semi-structured interview format. Unfortunately, children and adolescents have only been included in a handful of OCF and CFI studies, which raises questions about their applicability with youth, particularly young children (11 years or younger). In this article, we start examining the usefulness of the CFI with young children and propose recommendations to enhance its benefits by suggesting the development of a supplementary module specifically designed for young children. These ideas are illustrated with the assessment of a 6-year-old boy of Somali descent.
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25
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Nickerson A, Byrow Y, Pajak R, McMahon T, Bryant RA, Christensen H, Liddell BJ. 'Tell Your Story': a randomized controlled trial of an online intervention to reduce mental health stigma and increase help-seeking in refugee men with posttraumatic stress. Psychol Med 2020; 50:781-792. [PMID: 30973115 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719000606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Refugees report elevated rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but are relatively unlikely to seek help for their symptoms. Mental health stigma is a key barrier to help-seeking amongst refugees. We evaluated the efficacy of an online intervention in reducing self-stigma and increasing help-seeking in refugee men. METHODS Participants were 103 refugee men with PTSD symptoms from Arabic, Farsi or Tamil-speaking backgrounds who were randomly assigned to either receive an 11-module online stigma reduction intervention specifically designed for refugees ('Tell Your Story', TYS) or to a wait-list control (WLC) group. Participants completed online assessments of self-stigma for PTSD and help-seeking, and help-seeking intentions and behaviors at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 1 month follow-up. RESULTS Intent-to-treat analyses indicated that, compared to the WLC, TYS resulted in significantly smaller increases in self-stigma for seeking help from post-treatment to follow-up (d = 0.42, p = 0.008). Further, participants in the TYS conditions showed greater help-seeking behavior from new sources at follow-up (B = 0.69, 95% CI 0.19-1.18, p = 0.007) than those in the WLC. The WLC showed significantly greater increases in help-seeking intentions from post-intervention to follow-up (d = 0.27, p = 0.027), relative to the TYS group. CONCLUSIONS This is the first investigation of a mental health stigma reduction program specifically designed for refugees. Findings suggest that evidence-based stigma reduction strategies are beneficial in targeting self-stigma related to help-seeking and increasing help-seeking amongst refugees. These results indicate that online interventions focusing on social contact may be a promising avenue for removing barriers to accessing help for mental health symptoms in traumatized refugees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Nickerson
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, SydneyNSW2052, Australia
| | - Yulisha Byrow
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, SydneyNSW2052, Australia
| | - Rosanna Pajak
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, SydneyNSW2052, Australia
| | - Tadgh McMahon
- Settlement Services International, Sydney, NSWAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Richard A Bryant
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, SydneyNSW2052, Australia
| | - Helen Christensen
- Black Dog Institute, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, SydneyNSW2052, Australia
| | - Belinda J Liddell
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, SydneyNSW2052, Australia
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26
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Byrow Y, Pajak R, Specker P, Nickerson A. Perceptions of mental health and perceived barriers to mental health help-seeking amongst refugees: A systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2019; 75:101812. [PMID: 31901882 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2019.101812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite elevated rates of psychological disorders amongst individuals from a refugee background, levels of mental health help-seeking in these populations are low. There is an urgent need to understand the key barriers that prevent refugees and asylum-seekers from accessing help for psychological symptoms. This review synthesises literature examining perceptions of mental health and barriers to mental health help-seeking in individuals from a refugee background. Our analysis, which complies with PRISMA reporting guidelines, identified 62 relevant studies. Data extraction and thematic analytic techniques were used to synthesise findings from quantitative (n = 26) and qualitative (n = 40) studies. We found that the salient barriers to help-seeking were: (a) cultural barriers, including mental health stigma and knowledge of dominant models of mental health; (b) structural barriers, including financial strain, language proficiency, unstable accommodation, and a lack of understanding of how to access services, and (c) barriers specific to the refugee experience, including immigration status, a lack of trust in authority figures and concerns about confidentiality. We discuss and contextualise these key themes and consider how these findings can inform the development of policies and programs to increase treatment uptake and ultimately reduce the mental health burden amongst refugees and asylum-seekers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulisha Byrow
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Rosanna Pajak
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Philippa Specker
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Angela Nickerson
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Byrow Y, Pajak R, McMahon T, Rajouria A, Nickerson A. Barriers to Mental Health Help-Seeking Amongst Refugee Men. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16152634. [PMID: 31344781 PMCID: PMC6696447 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16152634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Rates of help-seeking for mental health problems are low amongst refugee communities, despite the high prevalence of PTSD reported amongst these individuals. Research suggests that the key barriers to seeking help for psychological problems include structural barriers (e.g., unstable housing), cultural barriers (e.g., mental health stigma), and barriers specific to refugees and asylum seekers (e.g., visa status). This study examined the effect of structural, cultural and refugee specific barriers on the relationship between PTSD symptom severity and intentions to seek help from professional, social, and community sources. Data was collected from 103 male refugees and asylum seekers with an Arabic-, Farsi-, or Tamil-speaking background. Participants completed measures indexing demographics, trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, mental health stigma, and help-seeking intentions. Path analyses indicated that PTSD severity was associated with lower help-seeking intentions indirectly via mental health stigma (self-stigma for seeking help and self-stigma for PTSD) and visa security. PTSD severity was also associated with greater help-seeking intentions from community members indirectly via structural barriers. These findings are important to consider when identifying key barriers to mental health help-seeking and developing interventions designed to increase help-seeking for psychological problems, within this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulisha Byrow
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Rosanna Pajak
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Tadgh McMahon
- Settlement Services International, Sydney, NSW 2131, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
| | | | - Angela Nickerson
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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Melamed S, Chernet A, Labhardt ND, Probst-Hensch N, Pfeiffer C. Social Resilience and Mental Health Among Eritrean Asylum-Seekers in Switzerland. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2019; 29:222-236. [PMID: 30222038 DOI: 10.1177/1049732318800004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Eritreans comprise the largest group of asylum-seekers in Switzerland. Gaining recognized refugee status can take up to 36 months, during which time asylum-seekers live in a state of legal limbo, intensifying threats to their well-being. Resilience and mental health among this population is poorly understood. We interviewed 10 asylum-seekers residing in Switzerland using qualitative, in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using the Framework Method. Results indicated that mental health was understood as a binary state rather than a continuum and that trusted friends and family were responsible for recognizing and attempting to treat mental health problems. Pathways to care were potentially interrupted for asylum-seekers. Capital building, considered through the lens of social resilience, consisted of language learning, establishing of new individual- and community-level social networks, and proactive symbolic capital building through volunteering. We contextualize the asylum-seekers' experience into a resilience framework and offer practical recommendations for improving mental health care access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabra Melamed
- 1 Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- 2 University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Afona Chernet
- 1 Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- 2 University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus D Labhardt
- 1 Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- 2 University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- 3 University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Probst-Hensch
- 1 Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- 2 University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Constanze Pfeiffer
- 1 Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- 2 University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Grupp F, Moro MR, Nater UM, Skandrani S, Mewes R. 'Only God can promise healing.': help-seeking intentions and lay beliefs about cures for post-traumatic stress disorder among Sub-Saharan African asylum seekers in Germany. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2019; 10:1684225. [PMID: 31741719 PMCID: PMC6844424 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2019.1684225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Epidemiological studies have reported high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among asylum seekers from Sub-Saharan Africa. In order to provide appropriate and culturally sensitive mental health care for this group, further knowledge about treatment preferences might be necessary. Objective: We aimed to provide insights into help-seeking intentions and lay beliefs about cures for PTSD held by asylum seekers from Sub-Saharan Africa living in Germany. Methods: To address this objective, we used a quantitative and qualitative methodological triangulation strategy based on a vignette describing symptoms of PTSD. In the quantitative part of the study, asylum seekers (n = 119), predominantly from Eritrea (n = 41), Somalia (n = 36), and Cameroon (n = 25), and a German comparison sample without a migration background (n = 120) completed the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ). In the qualitative part, asylum seekers (n = 26) reviewed the results of the questionnaire survey within eight focus group discussions sampled from groups of the three main countries of origin. Results: Asylum seekers showed a high intention to seek religious, medical, and psychological treatment for symptoms of PTSD. However, asylum seekers indicated a higher preference to seek help from religious authorities and general practitioners, as well as a lower preference to enlist psychological and traditional help sources than Germans without a migration background. Furthermore, asylum seekers addressed structural and cultural barriers to seeking medical and psychological treatment. Conclusion: To facilitate access to local health care systems for asylum seekers and refugees, it might be crucial to develop public health campaigns in collaboration with religious communities. When treating asylum seekers and refugees from Sub-Saharan Africa, practitioners should explore different religious and cultural frameworks for healing and recovery in order to signal understanding and acceptance of varying cultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freyja Grupp
- Division of Clinical Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Marie Rose Moro
- Hospital Cochin Paris, University of Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Urs M Nater
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sara Skandrani
- Hospital Cochin Paris, University of Paris Nanterre, Paris, France
| | - Ricarda Mewes
- Outpatient Unit for Research, Teaching and Practice, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Abuelezam NN, El-Sayed AM, Galea S. The Health of Arab Americans in the United States: An Updated Comprehensive Literature Review. Front Public Health 2018; 6:262. [PMID: 30255009 PMCID: PMC6141804 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Arab Americans are a historically understudied minority group in the United States and their health needs and risks have been poorly documented. We aim to provide an updated comprehensive review of the literature on Arab American physical and mental health and provide suggestions for future work in this field. Methods: A comprehensive review of the English language medical and public health literature published prior to 2017 identified through multiple database searches was conducted with search terms describing Arab Americans and health outcomes and behaviors. The literature was qualitatively summarized by health behavior (vaccination, tobacco use, drug and alcohol use, and physical activity), health outcome (diabetes, mental health, cardiovascular disease, cancer, women's, and child health), and populations at increased risk of poor health outcomes (adolescents and the elderly). Results: The majority of studies identified exploring Arab American health have been published since 2009 with an increase in the number of longitudinal and intervention studies done with this population. The majority of research is being undertaken among individuals living in ethnic enclaves due to the lack of an ethnic or racial identifier that may help identify Arab Americans from population-based studies. Studies highlight the conflicting evidence in the prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease based on study sample, an increased understanding of cancer incidence and barriers to identification, and an increased level of knowledge regarding mental health and sexual health needs in the population. Information on health behaviors has also increased, with a better understanding of physical activity, alcohol and drug use, and vaccination. Conclusion: More research on Arab American health is needed to identify risks and needs of this marginalized population given the current social and political climate in the United States, especially with regard to acculturation status and immigrant generation status. We provide recommendations on approaches that may help improve our understanding of Arab American health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia N Abuelezam
- Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | | | - Sandro Galea
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
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Murphy JE, Smock L, Hunter-Adams J, Xuan Z, Cochran J, Paasche-Orlow MK, Geltman PL. Relationships Between English Language Proficiency, Health Literacy, and Health Outcomes in Somali Refugees. J Immigr Minor Health 2018; 21:451-460. [DOI: 10.1007/s10903-018-0765-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Grupp F, Moro MR, Nater UM, Skandrani SM, Mewes R. "It's That Route That Makes Us Sick": Exploring Lay Beliefs About Causes of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Among Sub-saharan African Asylum Seekers in Germany. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:628. [PMID: 30534091 PMCID: PMC6275318 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Many asylum seekers have been confronted with traumatizing events, leading to high prevalence rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Within the diagnostic context, clinicians should take into account patients' culturally shaped presentation of symptoms. Therefore, we sought to provide insights into beliefs about causes of PTSD held by Sub-Saharan African asylum seekers living in Germany. To this aim, we used a quantitative and qualitative methodological triangulation strategy based on a vignette describing symptoms of PTSD. In the first part of the study, asylum seekers (n = 119), predominantly from Eritrea (n = 41), Somalia (n = 36), and Cameroon (n = 25), and a German comparison sample without a migration background (n = 120) completed the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R). In the second part, asylum seekers reviewed the results within eight focus group discussions (n = 26), sampled from groups of the three main countries of origin. Descriptive analyses of the first part demonstrated that asylum seekers predominantly attributed PTSD symptoms to psychological and religious causes, and rather disagreed with supernatural causes. In comparison to the German sample without a migration background, asylum seekers attributed symptoms less strongly to terrible experiences, but more strongly to religious and supernatural causes. Within the focus group discussions, six attribution categories of participants' causal beliefs were identified: (a) traumatic life experiences, (b) psychological causes, (c) social causes, (d) post-migration stressors, (e) religious causes, and (f) supernatural causes. Our findings suggest that the current Western understanding of PTSD is as relevant to migrants as to non-migrants in terms of psychological causation, but might differ regarding the religious and supernatural realm. While awareness of culture-specific belief systems of asylum seekers from Sub-Saharan Africa regarding PTSD is important, our findings do underline, at the same time, that cultural differences should not be overstated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freyja Grupp
- Division of Clinical Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Hesse, Germany
| | - Marie Rose Moro
- University of Paris Descartes, Hospital Cochin Paris, Paris, France
| | - Urs M Nater
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sara M Skandrani
- University of Paris Nanterre, Hospital Cochin Paris, Paris, France
| | - Ricarda Mewes
- Outpatient Unit for Research, Teaching and Practice, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Im H, Ferguson AB, Warsame AH, Isse MM. Mental health risks and stressors faced by urban refugees: Perceived impacts of war and community adversities among Somali refugees in Nairobi. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2017; 63:686-693. [PMID: 28862073 DOI: 10.1177/0020764017728966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a gap in understanding of refugee mental health risks unique to urban areas of low-income countries. MATERIAL A qualitative rapid appraisal using focus group interviews with community stakeholders explored main stressors pervasive by Somali refugees in Nairobi, Kenya. DISCUSSION This study identified the intersection of war trauma and daily stressors that affect both functional and structural challenges and risk of mental health issues among Somali urban refugees. CONCLUSION Findings underscore the importance of understanding mental health in the broader context of community adversities, suggesting development of contextually informed interventions responsive to complex needs of urban refugees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyojin Im
- 1 School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Aidan B Ferguson
- 2 College of Social Work, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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Paat YF, Green R. Mental health of immigrants and refugees seeking legal services on the US-Mexico border. Transcult Psychiatry 2017; 54:783-805. [PMID: 29226794 DOI: 10.1177/1363461517746316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The debates on the mental health benefits associated with immigration are mixed. On the one hand, immigrants are provided with more opportunities not available in their home countries. On the other hand, they are far away from home and may have been exposed to traumatic experiences on their journeys to the receiving country. Even after settling down in the receiving country, most continue to face legal battles associated with their immigration status, as shown in this study. This study examined the risk and protective factors associated with the mental health conditions in a sample of 39 immigrants and refugees seeking legal services on the US-Mexico border. Participants were recruited from a southwestern community agency serving the region's immigrant population over the past three decades. Negative mental health states including stress, sadness, and anxiety were frequently reported by the participants. Six themes were identified as significantly related to the participants' adjustment in the US: (1) political turmoil and safety issues; (2) economic hardship and extreme poverty; (3) trauma before and after resettlement; (4) immigration status; (5) family relational strain; and (6) identity struggle and acculturation. Overall, results demonstrate the complexity of issues pertaining to cross-country migration, cultural sensitivities, and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Green
- Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services, Inc., El Paso, Texas
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Immigrants' utilization of specialist mental healthcare according to age, country of origin, and migration history: a nation-wide register study in Norway. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2017; 52:679-687. [PMID: 28378064 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-017-1381-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE As the immigrant population rises in Norway, it becomes ever more important to consider the responsiveness of health services to the specific needs of these immigrants. It has been questioned whether access to mental healthcare is adequate among all groups of immigrants. This study aims to examine the use of specialist mental healthcare services among ethnic Norwegians and specific immigrants groups. METHODS Register data were used from the Norwegian Patient Registry and Statistics Norway. The sample (age 0-59) consisted of 3.3 million ethnic Norwegians and 200,000 immigrants from 11 countries. Poisson regression models were applied to examine variations in the use of specialist mental healthcare during 2008-2011 according to country of origin, age group, reason for immigration, and length of stay. RESULTS Immigrant children and adolescents had overall significantly lower use of specialist mental healthcare than ethnic Norwegians of the same age. A distinct exception was the high utilization rate among children and youth from Iran. Among adult immigrants, utilization rates were generally lower than among ethnic Norwegians, particularly those from Poland, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. Adult immigrants from Iraq and Iran, however, had high utilization rates. Refugees had high utilization rates of specialist mental healthcare, while labour immigrants had low use. CONCLUSION Utilization rates of specialist mental healthcare are lower among immigrants than Norwegians. Immigrants from Poland, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, had generally quite low rates, while immigrants from Iran had high utilization rates. The findings suggest that specialist mental healthcare in Norway is underutilized among considerable parts of the immigrant population.
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