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Khozaei F, Islam QU, Ramayah T, Ayub N, Carbon CC. Factors contributing to the mental wellbeing of Afghan migrants in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Migr Health 2024; 9:100211. [PMID: 38312935 PMCID: PMC10835284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2024.100211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to explore the factors contributing mental health of Afghan migrants residing in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges encountered by migrants, especially during times of crisis, this research delves into the influential factors of experienced anxiety, social cohesion, and stress and their significant contribution to the development of depression among Afghan migrants. The study included a sample of 469 individuals from the Afghan migrant community, aged 15 to 80 years. Data collection took place from December to March 2022 in Iran. The study revealed that anxiety and the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced the occurrence of depression among Afghan migrants. Furthermore, the relationship between these factors and depression was mediated by the experience of stress. Conversely, higher levels of perceived social cohesion in the host country were linked to reduced stress and depression among the migrants. As Afghan migrants in Iran face a heightened risk of developing depression, the importance of social support and integration is underscored by the association between higher levels of perceived social cohesion in the host country and reduced levels of stress and depression. Recognizing the vulnerabilities of this population, it becomes evident that fostering social support networks and promoting integration can play a crucial role in mitigating the negative impact of migration-related stressors and enhancing mental wellbeing among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Khozaei
- Department of Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Dhofar University, Salalah, Oman
- Research Group EPÆG (Ergonomics, Psychological Aesthetics, Gestalt), Bamberg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Qamar Ul Islam
- Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Dhofar University, Salalah, Oman
| | - T Ramayah
- School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
- Department of Information Technology & Management, Daffodil International University, Birulia, Bangladesh
- Department of Management, Sunway Business School (SBS), Petaling Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- University Center for Research & Development (UCRD), Chandigarh University, Ludhiana, 140413, Punjab, India
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Indonesia (UI), Depok City, 16424, West Java, Indonesia
- The University of Jordan (UJ), Aljubeiha, Amman, Jordan
| | - Nadia Ayub
- Institute of Business Management Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Claus-Christian Carbon
- Research Group EPÆG (Ergonomics, Psychological Aesthetics, Gestalt), Bamberg, Bavaria, Germany
- Department of General Psychology and Methodology, University of Bamberg, Bavaria, Germany
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Dumke L, Schmidt T, Wittmann J, Neldner S, Weitkämper A, Catani C, Neuner F, Wilker S. Low access and inadequate treatment in mental health care for asylum seekers and refugees in Germany-A prospective follow-up study over 12 months and a nationwide cross-sectional study. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2024. [PMID: 38193582 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Refugees experience elevated rates of mental health problems, but little is known about mental health service utilization and quality among asylum seekers and refugees in Europe. In a 12-month follow-up study of newly arrived refugees (N = 166, Mage = 32.38 years, 30.7% female) and a nationwide cross-sectional study (N = 579, Mage = 33.89 years, 36.2% female) of refugees who had been living in Germany for an average of 6 years, we examined objective need for mental health treatment, perceived need, access to treatment services, and adequacy of treatment. We defined minimally adequate mental health treatment according to the WHO World Mental Health Survey as ≥8 sessions of psychotherapy (minimally adequate psychotherapy) or pharmacotherapy plus ≥4 medical visits (minimally adequate pharmacotherapy). In both studies, two in three individuals screened for mental health symptoms and additionally perceived a need for professional treatment. Of those, less than half had contact to any service provider, with only 1 in 14 receiving minimally adequate psychotherapy. Overall, no more than one in seven of refugees in need received minimally adequate treatment. Despite a comprehensive mental health-care system, refugees' access to mental health care and the treatment provided are inadequate. Health policies are urgently needed to provide equitable mental health care for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Dumke
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Telja Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jasmin Wittmann
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Sina Neldner
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | - Claudia Catani
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Frank Neuner
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Sarah Wilker
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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