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Scales SE, Park JW, Nixon R, Guha-Sapir D, Horney JA. A retrospective cross-sectional study of risk factors for communicable disease diagnoses among refugees in mainland Greek camps, 2016-2017. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15164. [PMID: 38956149 PMCID: PMC11219990 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65696-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Communicable disease risk is high in refugee camps and reception centers. To better understand the risks for communicable disease diagnoses among refugees and asylum seekers, this study assesses individual- and camp-level risk factors among individuals utilizing Médecins du Monde clinics in four large refugee camps-Elliniko, Malakasa, Koutsochero, and Raidestos-on mainland Greece between July 2016 and May 2017. Descriptive statistics are reported for the demographic characteristics of the study population and for communicable disease burdens within the four camps-Elliniko, Malakasa, Raidestos, and Koutsochero. A hierarchical generalized linear model was used to assess risk factors for communicable disease diagnoses while accounting for individual-level clustering. This study shows marginal patterns in risk factors for communicable disease. Males had marginally higher risk of communicable disease diagnosis than females (OR = 1.12; 95% CI 0.97-1.29), and increased age was more protective against communicable disease for females (OR = 0.957; 95% CI 0.953-0.961) than for males (OR = 0.963; 95% CI 0.959-0.967). Communicable disease risk was significantly different between camps, with Elliniko (OR = 1.58; 95% CI 1.40-1.79) and Malakasa (OR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.25-1.63) having higher odds of communicable disease than Raidestos. The demographic and epidemiologic profiles of displaced populations differ across settings, and epidemiologic baselines for displaced populations are fundamental to evidence-informed provision of humanitarian aid. Further, while influences and risks for negative health outcomes in complex emergencies are broadly, the causal mechanisms that underpin these relationships are not as well understood. Both practitioners and researchers should engage with further research to elucidate the mechanisms through which these risks operate among displaced populations, including multilevel analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jee Won Park
- Epidemiology Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Rebecca Nixon
- Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Debarati Guha-Sapir
- Division of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Lee K, Kronick R, Miconi D, Rousseau C. Moving Forward in Mental Health Care for Refugee, Asylum-Seeking, and Undocumented Children: Social Determinants, Phased Approach to Care, and Advocacy. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2024; 33:237-250. [PMID: 38395508 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2023.09.007] [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] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Given the current political and climate crisis, the number of forcedly displaced individuals continues to rise, posing new challenges to host societies aiming to support and respond to the needs of those fleeing war or persecution. In this article, we turn our attention to current and historical sociopolitical contexts influencing the mental health of forcedly displaced children (ie, refugee, asylum-seeking, and undocumented) during their resettlement in high-income countries, proposing timely ways to respond to evolving needs and recommendations to redress ubiquitous structural inequities that act as barriers to education and care for the children, youth, and families seeking sanctuary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keven Lee
- Division of Social and Transcultural Psychiatry, McGill University, 1033 Pine Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Lady Davis Institute, 3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec.
| | - Rachel Kronick
- Division of Social and Transcultural Psychiatry, McGill University, 1033 Pine Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Lady Davis Institute, 3755 Côte Ste-Catherine Road, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Diana Miconi
- Department of Educational Psychology and Adult Education, Université de Montréal, 90 Vincent D'Indy Avenue, Outremont, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Cécile Rousseau
- Division of Social and Transcultural Psychiatry, McGill University, 1033 Pine Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Hadush F, Tsegaye D, Legass SA, Abebe E, Zenu S. Factors contributing to the high prevalence of intimate partner violence among south Sudanese refugee women in Ethiopia. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1418. [PMID: 37488592 PMCID: PMC10367380 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16343-x] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intimate partner violence is a universally occurring form of violence against women which is perpetrated by a husband or other intimate partner. It is a common public health problem during humanitarian crisis. Despite this, little is known about the problem among South Sudanese refugee women in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence and identify its contributing factors among married refugee women in Pinyudo refugee camp, Gambella, Ethiopia in 2021. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2021. A random sample of 406 refugee women was included in the study. A structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were entered into epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 22 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was run to identify factors associated with intimate partner violence. Statistical significance was affirmed using Adjusted Odds Ratio with its 95% Confidence Interval at a p-value ≤ 0.05. RESULTS A total of 406 married refugee women participated in the study making a response rate of 96.2%. The overall prevalence of intimate partner violence in the past 12 months was 48.3% 95% CI= (43.6-53.2). Low-income contribution [AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2-5.5], and attitudinal acceptance [AOR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.2-3.8] were significantly associated with the problem. CONCLUSION The prevalence of intimate partner violence is alarmingly high as half of participating women reported facing the problem in the year preceding the study. Low-income contribution and attitudinal acceptance were associated with a higher probability of experiencing violence. The government, humanitarian organizations, and other stakeholders should enable refugee women to generate income. There should be continuous women empowerment and behavioral interventions to improve refugee women's attitudes towards intimate partner violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filmawit Hadush
- Gender Coordinator at the Plan International, Gambella, Ethiopia
| | - Dereje Tsegaye
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mattu University, Mettu, Ethiopia
| | | | - Endegena Abebe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Mattu University, Mettu, Ethiopia
| | - Sabit Zenu
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mattu University, Mettu, Ethiopia.
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Knappe F, Filippou K, Hatzigeorgiadis A, Morres ID, Tzormpatzakis E, Havas E, Seelig H, Colledge F, Ludyga S, Meier M, de Quervain D, Theodorakis Y, von Känel R, Pühse U, Gerber M. Psychological well-being, mental distress, metabolic syndrome, and associated factors among people living in a refugee camp in Greece: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1179756. [PMID: 37397726 PMCID: PMC10311549 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1179756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Forcibly displaced people face various challenges and are therefore at higher risk of being affected by mental and physiological distress. The present study aimed to determine levels of psychological well-being, PTSD symptom severity, metabolic syndrome, and associated factors among forcibly displaced people in Greece in response to WHO's call for evidence-based public health policies and programs for forcibly displaced people. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among n = 150 (50% women) forcibly displaced people originating from Sub-Sahara Africa and Southwest Asia living in a Greek refugee camp. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess psychological well-being, symptoms of PTSD, depression, generalized anxiety disorder and insomnia, perceived stress, headache, and perceived fitness. Cardiovascular risk markers were assessed to determine metabolic syndrome, and cardiorespiratory fitness was measured with the Åstrand-Rhyming Test of Maximal Oxygen Uptake. Results The prevalence of mental distress and physiological disorders was overall elevated. Only 53.0% of participants rated their psychological well-being as high. Altogether, 35.3% scored above the clinical cut-off for PTSD, 33.3% for depression, 27.9% for generalized anxiety disorder, and 33.8% for insomnia. One in four (28.8%) participants met criteria for metabolic syndrome. While the prevalence of moderate or severe insomnia symptoms and metabolic syndrome differed little from the global population, the risk of being affected by mental distress was markedly increased. In multivariable analysis, higher perceived fitness was associated with higher psychological well-being (OR = 1.35, p = 0.003) and a decreased likelihood for metabolic syndrome (OR = 0.80, p = 0.031). Participants with elevated psychiatric symptoms were less likely to report high psychological well-being (OR = 0.22, p = 0.003) and had increased odds for higher PTSD severity (OR = 3.27, p = 0.034). Increased stress perception was associated with higher PTSD symptoms (OR = 1.13, p = 0.002). Conclusion There is an elevated risk for mental distress compared to the global population and an overall high mental and physiological burden among people living in a Greek refugee camp. The findings underpin the call for urgent action. Policies should aim to reduce post-migration stressors and address mental health and non-communicable diseases by various programs. Sport and exercise interventions may be a favorable add-on, given that perceived fitness is associated with both mental and physiological health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Knappe
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Konstantinia Filippou
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | - Antonis Hatzigeorgiadis
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | - Ioannis D. Morres
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Tzormpatzakis
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | - Elsa Havas
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | - Harald Seelig
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Flora Colledge
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Ludyga
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marianne Meier
- Interdisciplinary Center for Gender Studies, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Yannis Theodorakis
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | - Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Pühse
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus Gerber
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Lavdas M, Guribye E, Sandal GM. "Of course, you get depression in this situation": Explanatory Models (EMs) among Afghan refugees in camps in Northern Greece. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:125. [PMID: 36843000 PMCID: PMC9968643 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04613-2] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Afghan refugees and asylum seekers constitute one of the largest groups that live in camp settings in Greece. While they experience psychological distress, they are facing significant barriers in accessing appropriate mental health care. Explanatory Models (EMs) provide a context-sensitive framework for understanding the differences between health professionals, refugees and NGOs that operate on the field. This study aims at further understanding how Afghan refugees perceive and explain depression and largely psychological distress, and how this influences their choices for coping strategies and help-seeking. METHODS This qualitative study included six vignette-based semi-structured focus-group discussions with Afghan refugees and asylum-seekers (total N = 19, 12 female and 7 male) residing largely in camp settings in Northern Greece. The vignette describes a fictional person with symptoms of depression in line with DSM-5 and ICD-10 criteria. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed through template analysis. RESULTS EMs for depression are explained through Pre-migration Traumatic Experiences (PMTE) and Post-migration Living Difficulties (PMLD) relating to camp settings. Female participants identified gender-based and domestic violence as contributing to psychological distress while males highlighted conflict and persecution. Life in the camp with associated inactivity, and uncertainty for the future, was perceived as a significant risk factor for psychological distress among females and males. In terms of coping strategies, females tended to focus on mobilizing collective resources within the camp (e.g. safe space for women facilitating emotional support), while males advocated for self-empowerment and solution-oriented coping. The value of engagement in peer helper-roles was highlighted. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the potential value of community-based psychosocial approaches to support and promote mental health within camp settings. Additionally, they may inform policies and practices regarding access to appropriate mental health care for Afghan refugees. Further research is needed to establish the efficiency of such interventions in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Lavdas
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Eugene Guribye
- grid.509009.5NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Gro Mjeldheim Sandal
- grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Hart PL, Zahos H, Salt N, Schofield R, Mahroof-Shaffi S, Simonek T, Harkensee C. Lessons to learn from the analysis of routine health data from Moria Refugee Camp on Lesvos, Greece. J Public Health (Oxf) 2022:6840101. [DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdac127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Refugees in humanitarian settings commonly experience many health needs and barriers to access healthcare; health data from these settings are infrequently reported, preventing effective healthcare provision. This report describes health needs of refugees in Moria Camp on Lesvos, Greece—Europe’s largest refugee camp.
Methods
A set of routinely collected service data of 18 131 consultations of 11 938 patients, attending a primary care clinic in the camp over 6 months in 2019–20, was analysed retrospectively, focusing on chronic health conditions.
Results
The most frequent chronic conditions were musculoskeletal pain (25.1%), mental health (15.9%), cardiac (12.7%) and endocrine conditions (8.9%). In all, 70.4% of consultations were for acute health problems, with high rates of injuries and wounds (20.8%), respiratory infections (12.5%), gastroenteritis (10.7%) and skin problems (9.7%), particularly scabies.
Conclusions
The prevalence of acute and chronic health problems is high in this setting, with some likely attributable to the deplorable living conditions in the camp. Despite its magnitude, the interpretability of routine health data is limited. A research agenda is identified, and a framework for chronic disease management in refugee camps is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul L Hart
- 22603 Esplanada Circle W, Boca Raton , FL 33433 , USA
| | - Helen Zahos
- Griffith University School of Nursing and Midwifery, , Gold Coast, 1 Hospital Boulevard, Southport, QLD 4215 , Australia
| | - Nicola Salt
- Wandsworth Care Commissioning Group Balham Park Surgery, , 236 Balham High Road, London, SW17 7AW , UK
| | - Roger Schofield
- Shalom House Palliative Care Centre , St David’s, Pembrokeshire, SA62 6BP , UK
| | | | | | - Christian Harkensee
- Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust , Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Gateshead, NE9 6SX , UK
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Farmakioti E, Pylli M, Giannakou K. Access to Healthcare Services and Essential Medicines in GREEK Migrant Camps: an Online Cross-Sectional Study. J Immigr Minor Health 2022; 25:580-588. [PMID: 36401713 PMCID: PMC9676798 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-022-01425-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
During the last years, Greece has become the entry point of a high number of migrants and asylum seekers. The aim of this study was to assess the access to selected fields of primary healthcare, to emergency medical care, secondary healthcare and essential medicines among populations living in reception, temporary accommodation, and detention centres (migrant camps) in Greece. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted based on a self-administered questionnaire. Participants included indviduals working or volunteering in migrant camps in Greece. 64 individuals participated in this study. The most common health problem among people residing in migrant camps was mental health conditions. The access to each field of primary healthcare was assessed as minimum to non-existent by most of the participants. 47.2% assessed the access to emergency medical care as minimum/non-satisfactory, while 60.8% assessed the access to secondary healthcare as minimum to non-existent. Most participants assessed the access to all the medicines categories as minimum or moderate. Access to both primary and secondary health was given a lower grade in the East-Aegean islands compared to the mainland. Major health inequalities among populations residing in Greek migrant camps were highlighted in this study. A change in the current migration policies of Greece and the European Union is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Farmakioti
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Magdalini Pylli
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- HIV Surveillance Department, Hellenic National Public Health Organization, Marousi, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Giannakou
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Yoshino Y, Sato M, Abu-Siam I, Khost N, Honda S, Qarawi AT, Hassan OG, Huy NT, Kamiya Y. Assessment of physical activity and its facilitators and barriers among Syrian refugees living in Amman City, Jordan: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1732. [PMID: 36096788 PMCID: PMC9469621 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14064-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical inactivity is one of the major risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Few studies about physical activity have been conducted among refugees from neighbouring countries. Given changes in the situation of Syrians, assessment of physical activity among Syrian refugees is required to understand their situation. This study aimed to evaluate the degree of self-reported physical activity and to identify perceived facilitators of and barriers to physical activity among Syrian refugees living in Amman, Jordan, in 2017. METHODS This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire and the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Participants were eligible for the study if they were Syrian refugees aged 18-64 years, living in Amman city, and were either registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, waiting for their registration, or had a service card issued by the Jordanian Ministry of Interior. The relationship between physical activity level and sex was assessed using the chi-square test and Cochran-Armitage tests. The Mann-Whitney U test was performed to assess the relationship between the median metabolic equivalent scores of physical activity and gender. Backward stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the association between predictors of physical inactivity and physical activity level. RESULTS Among the 173 participants, the majority (91.9%) reported moderate to a high level of physical activity, and 8.1% were physically inactive. The metabolic equivalent scores for the walking activity of males (median: 1039.5, IQR: 0, 2772) was significantly higher than that of females (median: 396, IQR: 0, 1188) (p < 0.01). "Perceived change in the amount of physical activity" was a significant predictor of physical inactivity (adjusted OR = 3.00; 95%CI: 1.27-7.26). Common facilitators of physical activity were "psychological wellbeing"(49.7%) and "prevent diseases"(46.8%). The greatest barriers to physical activity were "time limitation"(43.4%) and "high cost"(57.8%). CONCLUSION This study revealed the physical activity level among Syrian refugees in Amman. The perceived facilitators and barriers to physical activity identified among Syrian refugees were similar to those in previous studies conducted among non-refugees. These results provide a valuable baseline for future examinations of physical activity level and to verify its possible facilitators and barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasue Yoshino
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Miho Sato
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | | | | | - Sumihisa Honda
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Ahmad T Qarawi
- Fleetwood Speciality Pharmacy, New York, USA.,Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Osama Gamal Hassan
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan.,Cardiology Department, El Zaitoun Specialized Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nguyen Tien Huy
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.,Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Kamiya
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
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Pérez-Sales P, Galán-Santamarina A, Zunzunegui MV, López-Martin S. Refugee Camps as Torturing Environments-An Analysis of the Conditions in the Moria Reception Center (Greece) Based on the Torturing Environment Scale. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10233. [PMID: 36011868 PMCID: PMC9408337 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND European countries apply a policy of deterrence of migrants in territorial and extraterritorial border areas. The authors apply the model of torturing environments, which has been already applied to other contexts where persons are deprived of liberty, to the situation of the reception center of Moria, on the island of Lesvos (Greece). METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in the months of April and June of 2020. Personal interviews were conducted with 160 people (80 men, 80 women) from Afghan, Syrian, Somalian, and Congo backgrounds. The authors applied the Torturing Environmental Scale, which measures interpersonal violence, emotional distress, and legal safeguards. RESULTS The findings confirm the inhumane living conditions for the people sheltered in Moria, documenting the severe suffering of the population due to elements linked to basic human functions (hunger, thirst, hygiene, overcrowding, temperature, etc.), actions that produce fear and distress, actions that produce helplessness and hopelessness, actions that cause physical pain, attacks on sexual integrity, and attacks on identity and the need to belong. Some of the data suggest that the purposive and intentionality elements of the definition of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment were also met. CONCLUSIONS According to the conceptual model of torturing environments, the Moria reception camp constitutes a space of systematic ill treatment that vulnerated the European legal standards related to torture (Article 3 of the Human Rights Convention). The idea of torturing environments provides a valuable avenue to assess human rights violations in collective spaces and could constitute a useful tool in forensic and litigation processes.
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Kiteki BN, Lou S, Liu T. The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns on Refugee Mental Health: A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COUNSELLING 2022; 44:395-413. [PMID: 35756394 PMCID: PMC9206098 DOI: 10.1007/s10447-022-09476-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
With over 80 million persons around the world forcibly displaced from their homes, 26.3 of whom are refugees, recent estimates indicate that the number of forced migrants has reached an all-time high (UNHCR, 2020). Already at a disadvantage, the closures of schools and key community resources aimed at combating the spread of the virus during the early stages of the pandemic contributed to further distress on the well-being of refugees. Recognizing that forced migrants are a vulnerable and underserved population and that the COVID-19 virus and the lockdowns put in place to reduce its spread severely worsened their multidimensional stressors, the authors used a qualitative narrative review with attention to the thematic analysis model to explore the impact of lockdowns on refugees’ mental health by reviewing publications from April 2020 through May 2021. The review findings are categorized under three themes: (a) negative impact on mental health, (b) suggested intervention approaches/strategies, and (c) recommendations. Implications for counseling and research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bellah N. Kiteki
- School of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy, Wheaton College, 501 College Ave, 60187-5501 Wheaton, IL USA
| | - Sara Lou
- School of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy, Wheaton College, 501 College Ave, 60187-5501 Wheaton, IL USA
| | - Tao Liu
- School of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy, Wheaton College, 501 College Ave, 60187-5501 Wheaton, IL USA
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Gargano MC, Ajduković D, Vukčević Marković M. Mental Health in the Transit Context: Evidence from 10 Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063476. [PMID: 35329157 PMCID: PMC8954994 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Most interventions for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) have been developed in contexts and with populations that differ significantly from the realities of migration. There is an urgent need for MHPSS in transit; however, transit-specific aspects of MHPSS provision are often neglected due to the inherent challenges transit poses to traditional conceptualizations of practice. The Delphi method, which consisted of three iterative rounds of surveys, was applied with the goal of identifying challenges to and adaptations of MHPSS in the transit context. Twenty-six MHPSS providers working with refugees in 10 European transit countries participated; 69% of participants completed all three survey rounds. There was consensus that a flexible model of MHPSS, which can balance low intensity interventions and specialized care, is needed. Agreement was high for practice-related and sociopolitical factors impacting MHPSS in transit; however, the mandate of MHPSS providers working in the transit context achieved the lowest consensus and is yet to be defined. There is a need to rethink MHPSS in the refugee transit context. Providing MHPSS to refugees on the move has specificities, most of which are related to the instability and uncertainty of the context. Future directions for improving mental health protection for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in transit are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Caterina Gargano
- Department of Psychology, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame, 390 Corbett Family Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
| | - Dean Ajduković
- Department of Psychology, University of Zagreb, Ivana Lucica 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Maša Vukčević Marković
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Psychosocial Innovation Network, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +381-63-723-4658
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Ager W, El Chammay R, Lechner J, Ventevogel P, Vijayakumar L. Displaced, Dispossessed and Silenced: The Need for Suicide Prevention and Response for Conflict-affected Populations. INTERVENTION 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/intv.intv_24_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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