1
|
Rzepka I, Gebhardt N, Kindermann D, Stengel A, Zipfel S, Friederich HC, Nikendei C. [Screening for mental distress symptoms among Ukrainian refugees in an initial reception center in Baden-Württemberg]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR EVIDENZ, FORTBILDUNG UND QUALITAT IM GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2023; 182-183:32-37. [PMID: 37839966 DOI: 10.1016/j.zefq.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Millions of people are fleeing the war in Ukraine. Stressors associated with flight can have a massive impact on mental health. The aim of the present study was to perform a low-threshold screening for mental distress symptoms among Ukrainian refugees in an initial reception center in Baden-Württemberg. METHODS At the initial reception center in Heidelberg Ukrainian refugees were interviewed about psychological distress during consultations with medical care providers, using four screening questionnaires (PC-PTSD-5, PHQ-9, GAD-7, stress thermometer) in Ukrainian or Russian language, and further sociodemographic data and data about the refugees' background were collected. RESULTS More than 90% of the N = 36 respondents reported that they had experienced war, 55.6% reached the cut-off score for post-traumatic stress disorder. One fourth of the participants reached cut-off scores for depression and more than 30% for generalized anxiety disorder. The majority of respondents had relatives living in embattled cities, and in over 36% close relatives were currently deployed in war. In the group comparison there was no significant correlation of symptom burden with the family background situation. DISCUSSION In line with the existing literature, many of the participants showed signs of mental distress. Potentially affected persons can be identified using low-threshold screening questionnaires. Adequate care for mentally stressed refugees according to their needs should be established to facilitate integration. CONCLUSION Due to the known high prevalence of mental distress, refugees should be screened for mental distress symptoms at a low-threshold level to identify affected individuals. The psychosocial situation of Ukrainian refugees should be considered at an early stage in medical care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irja Rzepka
- Abteilung für Allgemeine Innere Medizin und Psychosomatik, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Deutschland.
| | - Nadja Gebhardt
- Abteilung für Allgemeine Innere Medizin und Psychosomatik, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - David Kindermann
- Abteilung für Allgemeine Innere Medizin und Psychosomatik, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Andreas Stengel
- Innere Medizin VI Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Deutschland
| | - Stephan Zipfel
- Innere Medizin VI Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Deutschland
| | - Hans-Christoph Friederich
- Abteilung für Allgemeine Innere Medizin und Psychosomatik, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Christoph Nikendei
- Abteilung für Allgemeine Innere Medizin und Psychosomatik, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Almutairi W, Seven M, Poudel-Tandukar K, VanKim N. Mental health disorders among Middle Eastern immigrant women living in the United States: A scoping review. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2022; 58:3079-3102. [PMID: 35419835 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.13088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This review aims to describe the up-to-date knowledge of the prevalence of mental health disorders among Middle Eastern immigrants women living in the United States (U.S.) and the factors affecting mental health status. CONCLUSION High prevalence of mental health disorders and low utilization of mental health services among Middle Eastern immigrants were reported. The factors affecting mental health disorders included socio-demographics, immigration-related factors, and previous mental and physical health problems. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Further research is needed to understand the factors affecting mental health disorders and attitudes associated with the utilization of mental health services among Middle Eastern women in the U.S.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wjdan Almutairi
- Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.,College of Nursing, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Memnun Seven
- Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar
- Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicole VanKim
- School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Donnelly O, Leavey G. Screening Tools for Mental Disorders Among Female Refugees: a Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2022; 15:209-219. [PMID: 35600514 PMCID: PMC9120328 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-021-00375-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Female refugees are particularly vulnerable to mental disorders but assessment may be complex and challenging. Various screening tools have been developed for this population, but little is known about their usefulness. The main aim is to examine the literature on the effectiveness of screening tools for mental health problems among female refugees. Systematic review of PubMed, PsycINFO and Embase to locate all published work. Comprehensive search terms were used and inclusion and exclusion criteria were formulated. The initial search yielded 877 articles, of which 757 were removed after titles and abstracts were reviewed. Then, 121 full-text versions of articles were examined and 96 excluded according to the criteria. A total of 25 articles were included in this systematic review in accordance with the PRIMSA guidelines. Twenty screening tools were evaluated. There is a lack of tools used to screen refugee women, and in particular those in emergency settings. Cultural factors may not be accounted for in the development of screening instruments. Further research in this field can help inform public health policies to address social, educational and occupational inclusion for refugee women in different contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerard Leavey
- Bamford Centre of Mental Health & Wellbeing, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Magwood O, Kassam A, Mavedatnia D, Mendonca O, Saad A, Hasan H, Madana M, Ranger D, Tan Y, Pottie K. Mental Health Screening Approaches for Resettling Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063549. [PMID: 35329237 PMCID: PMC8953108 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Refugees and asylum seekers often face delayed mental health diagnoses, treatment, and care. COVID-19 has exacerbated these issues. Delays in diagnosis and care can reduce the impact of resettlement services and may lead to poor long-term outcomes. This scoping review aims to characterize studies that report on mental health screening for resettling refugees and asylum seekers pre-departure and post-arrival to a resettlement state. We systematically searched six bibliographic databases for articles published between 1995 and 2020 and conducted a grey literature search. We included publications that evaluated early mental health screening approaches for refugees of all ages. Our search identified 25,862 citations and 70 met the full eligibility criteria. We included 45 publications that described mental health screening programs, 25 screening tool validation studies, and we characterized 85 mental health screening tools. Two grey literature reports described pre-departure mental health screening. Among the included publications, three reported on two programs for women, 11 reported on programs for children and adolescents, and four reported on approaches for survivors of torture. Programs most frequently screened for overall mental health, PTSD, and depression. Important considerations that emerged from the literature include cultural and psychological safety to prevent re-traumatization and digital tools to offer more private and accessible self-assessments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Magwood
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 University Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 7K4, Canada
| | - Azaad Kassam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
- Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre, 1365 Richmond Rd #2, Ottawa, ON K2B 6R7, Canada
- Ottawa Newcomer Health Centre, 291 Argyle, Ottawa, ON K2P 1B8, Canada
| | - Dorsa Mavedatnia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (D.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Oreen Mendonca
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
| | - Ammar Saad
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 5B2, Canada
| | - Hafsa Hasan
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 3M6, Canada
| | - Maria Madana
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (D.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Dominique Ranger
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
| | - Yvonne Tan
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Queen’s University, 99 University Ave, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Kevin Pottie
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Center, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 7G5, Canada; (O.M.); (O.M.); (A.S.); (H.H.); (D.R.); (Y.T.)
- Department of Family Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|