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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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Höhne E, Böge K, Karnouk C, Tschorn M, Banaschewski T, Hoell A, Sukale T, Plener P, Schneider F, Padberg F, Hasan A, Rapp MA, Bajbouj M, Kamp-Becker I. Culturally sensitive stepped care for adolescent refugees: efficacy and cost-utility of a multicentric randomized controlled trial. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:581-593. [PMID: 36922435 PMCID: PMC10869413 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02179-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent refugees and asylum seekers (ARAS) are highly vulnerable to mental health problems. Stepped care models (SCM) and culturally sensitive therapies offer promising treatment approaches to effectively provide necessary medical and psychological support. To our knowledge, we were the first to investigate whether a culturally sensitive SCM will reduce symptoms of depression and PTSD in ARAS more effectively and efficiently than treatment as usual (TAU). We conducted a multicentric, randomized, controlled and rater-blinded trial across Germany with ARAS between the ages of 14 to 21 years. Participants (N = 158) were stratified by their level of depressive symptom severity and then equally randomized to either SCM or TAU. Depending on their severity level, SCM participants were allocated to tailored interventions. Symptom changes were assessed for depression (PHQ) and PTSD (CATS) at four time points, with the primary end point at post-intervention after 12 weeks. Based on an intention-to-treat sample, we used a linear mixed model approach for the main statistical analyses. Further evaluations included cost-utility analyses, sensitivity analyses, follow-up-analyses, response and remission rates and subgroup analysis. We found a significant reduction of PHQ (d = 0.52) and CATS (d = 0.27) scores in both groups. However, there was no significant difference between SCM and TAU. Cost-utility analyses indicated that SCM generated greater cost-utility when measured as quality-adjusted life years compared to TAU. Subgroup analysis revealed different effects for the SCM interventions depending on the outcome measure. Although culturally sensitive, SCMs did not prove to be more effective in symptom change and represent a more cost-effective treatment alternative for mentally burdened ARAS. Our research contributes to the optimization of clinical productivity and the improvement of therapeutic care for ARAS. Disorder-specific interventions should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Höhne
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Medical Clinic, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Kerem Böge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carine Karnouk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mira Tschorn
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Hoell
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Thorsten Sukale
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Paul Plener
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Frank Schneider
- University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical School University of Duesseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Frank Padberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Alkomiet Hasan
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, BKH Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Michael A Rapp
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Malek Bajbouj
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Inge Kamp-Becker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Medical Clinic, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Fabian KE, Foster KT, Chwastiak L, Turner M, Wagenaar BH. Adapting a transdiagnostic digital mental health intervention for use among immigrant and refugee youth in Seattle: a human-centered design approach. Transl Behav Med 2023; 13:867-875. [PMID: 37418614 PMCID: PMC11009687 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibad041] [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] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital mental health interventions show promise in addressing mental health needs, especially among youth and marginalized communities. This study adapted the World Health Organization -developed STARS (Sustainable Technology for Adolescents to Reduce Stress) digital mental health intervention for use among youth and young adults aged 14-25 from immigrant and refugee communities in Seattle, Washington. Human-centered design methods centered around qualitative semi-structured interviews were used to contextually and culturally adapt the intervention and prioritize the needs and preferences of the intended end user. Intervention prototypes were modified and then presented to the target groups in iterative cycles until saturation was achieved. Qualitative interviews occurred in three iterations of five participants each. Modifications were documented according to the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Expanded (FRAME) implementation science framework. Modifications aligned with the FRAME process elements: (a) tailoring/refining, which included adapting language to less resemble digital phishing scams; (b) changes in packaging or materials, which included naming the chatbot and adopting a corresponding avatar; (c) adding/removing, which included changing existing emojis and adding additional media types including graphics interchange format images, pictures, and voice memos; (d) shortening/condensing, which included shortening the length of individual text sections as well as deleting redundant language; (e) lengthening/extending, which included allowing the user to choose to receive content catered to teenagers or to adults; and (f) loosening structure, including giving users options to skip parts of modules or to engage with additional material. The modified STARS intervention shows promise for engagement with immigrant and refugee youth in Seattle and can be examined for clinical effectiveness. Adaptations increased the relevance of content to the intended end user, expanded options for personalization and customization of the user experience, and utilized language that was age appropriate, engaging, and did not invoke feelings of stigma or distrust. Adaptations of digital mental health interventions should focus on modifications that maximize acceptability and appropriateness to intended audiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin E Fabian
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Katherine T Foster
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lydia Chwastiak
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Morgan Turner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bradley H Wagenaar
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Anjum G, Aziz M, Hamid HK. Life and mental health in limbo of the Ukraine war: How can helpers assist civilians, asylum seekers and refugees affected by the war? Front Psychol 2023; 14:1129299. [PMID: 36874809 PMCID: PMC9983366 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1129299] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The terror spread by the war disrupts lives and severs families, leaving individuals and communities devastated. People are left to fend for themselves on multiple levels, especially psychologically. It is well documented that war adversely affects non-combatant civilians, both physically and psychologically. However, how the war puts civilians' lives in a limbo is an under-researched area. This paper focuses on three aspects: (1) how the mental health and well-being of Ukrainian civilians, asylum seekers, and refugees are affected by the war caused limbo; (2) what factors affect this process of being stuck in the limbo of war; and (3) how psychologists and helpers in the war-ridden and host countries can provide meaningful support. Based on the authors' own practical work with Ukrainian civilians, refugees, and professional helpers during the war, this paper provides an overview of multi-level factors that impact human psyches in a war, and possible ways to help those who are living in the war limbo. In this research and experiential learning-based review, we offer some helpful strategies, action plans, and resources for the helpers including psychologists, counselors, volunteers, and relief workers. We emphasize that the effects of war are neither linear nor equal for all civilians and refugees. Some will recover and return to a routine life while others will experience panic attacks, trauma, depression, and even PTSD, which can also surface much later and can prolong over the years. Hence, we provide experience-based ways of dealing with short-term and prolonged trauma of living with war and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mental health professionals and other helpers in Ukraine and in host countries can use these helping strategies and resources to provide effective support for Ukrainians and for war refugees in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulnaz Anjum
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mudassar Aziz
- Department of Psychology, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey, BC, Canada
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Mattar S, Gellatly R. Refugee mental health: Culturally relevant considerations. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 47:101429. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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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; 19:3549. [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] [Grants] [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.
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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
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Benjamen J, Girard V, Jamani S, Magwood O, Holland T, Sharfuddin N, Pottie K. Access to Refugee and Migrant Mental Health Care Services during the First Six Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Canadian Refugee Clinician Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18105266. [PMID: 34063442 PMCID: PMC8156129 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the mental health of refugees and migrants. This study aimed to assess refugee clinician perspectives on mental health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically access to and delivery of community mental health care services. We utilized a mixed methods design. We surveyed members of a national network of Canadian clinicians caring for refugees and migrants. Seventy-seven clinicians with experience caring for refugee populations, representing an 84% response rate, participated in the online survey, 11 of whom also participated in semi-structured interviews. We report three major themes: exacerbation of mental health issues and inequities in social determinants of health, and decreased access to integrated primary care and community migrant services. Clinicians reported major challenges delivering care during the first 6 months of the pandemic related to access to care and providing virtual care. Clinicians described perspectives on improving the management of refugee mental health, including increasing access to community resources and virtual care. The majority of clinicians reported that technology-assisted psychotherapy appears feasible to arrange, acceptable and may increase health equity for their refugee patients. However, major limitations of virtual care included technological barriers, communication and global mental health issues, and privacy concerns. In summary, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated social and health inequities within refugee and migrant populations in Canada and challenged the way mental health care is traditionally delivered. However, the pandemic has provided new avenues for the delivery of care virtually, albeit not without additional and unique barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Benjamen
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (J.B.); (V.G.); (S.J.)
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1, Canada;
| | - Vincent Girard
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (J.B.); (V.G.); (S.J.)
| | - Shabana Jamani
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada; (J.B.); (V.G.); (S.J.)
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1, Canada;
| | - Olivia Magwood
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1, Canada;
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Tim Holland
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, 1465 Brenton St, Suite 402, Halifax, NS B3J 3T4, Canada;
| | - Nazia Sharfuddin
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta, 11350-83 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G3, Canada;
| | - Kevin Pottie
- C.T. Lamont Primary Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1, Canada;
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Cres, Suite 200, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
- Institut du Savoir Montfort, 713 Montreal Rd, Ottawa, ON K1K 0T2, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-613-562-6262 (ext. 4457)
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Lampa E, Sarkadi A, Warner G. Implementation and Maintenance of a Community-Based Intervention for Refugee Youth Reporting Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress: Lessons from Successful Sites. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:ijerph18010043. [PMID: 33374648 PMCID: PMC7793468 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few years there have been attempts to scale-up Teaching Recovery Techniques (TRT), a community-based group intervention for refugee youth reporting symptoms of post-traumatic stress, across Sweden using the distribution network pathway model. This implementation model allows for quick spread, but only for a low level of control at local sites. This study explores factors and agents that have facilitated the implementation and maintenance of the community-based intervention in successful sites. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with personnel from “successful” community sites, defined as having conducted at least two groups and maintaining full delivery. Data were analyzed using content analysis to identify a theme and categories. The main theme “Active networking and collaboration” was key to successful maintenance of community-based delivery. Categories included “Going to where the potential recipients are”, relating to the importance of networks, and “Resource availability and management for maintenance”, relating to the challenges due to the lack of a lead organization supplying necessary funds and support for maintenance. Additionally, “Careful integration of the interpreter” underlined that interpreters were essential co-facilitators of the intervention. Although the interviewed professionals represented successful sites, they remained dependent on informal networks and collaboration for successful maintenance of community-based delivery.
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Fostering Refugee and Other Migrant Resilience through Empowerment, Pluralism, and Collaboration in Mental Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249557. [PMID: 33371205 PMCID: PMC7766954 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Asfaw BB, Beiersmann C, Keck V, Nikendei C, Benson-Martin J, Schütt I, Lohmann J. Experiences of psychotherapists working with refugees in Germany: a qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:588. [PMID: 33308187 PMCID: PMC7733283 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02996-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite a high burden of mental health problems among refugees, there is limited knowledge about effective mental health care provision for this group. Although substantial efforts in understanding the complexity of cross-cultural psychotherapy - which in the context of this study we use to refer to therapy with client and therapist of different cultural backgrounds - have been made, there remains a dearth of research exploring barriers for effective cross-cultural psychotherapy. This study aimed at narrowing this gap in knowledge by exploring major challenges encountered by psychotherapists in cross-cultural psychotherapy and strategies which have proven useful in overcoming such challenges. METHODS We employed a qualitative study design, conducting semi-structured in-depth interviews with 10 purposely selected psychotherapists working with refugees in Germany. Respondents were from varying theoretical background and had varying levels of experience. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach, following a mix of deductive and inductive coding. RESULTS Respondents reported three main challenges in their cross-cultural practice: different or unrealistic expectations of clients towards what psychotherapy would offer them; challenges grounded in different illness explanatory models; and communication challenges. In dealing with these challenges, respondents recommended psychoeducation to overcome issues related to problematic expectations towards psychotherapy; "imagining the real", identifying "counter magic" and other client-appropriate resources to deal with issues related to clients' foreign illness attributions; and translators in dealing with communication barriers, though the latter not univocally. CONCLUSIONS Results show that psychotherapy with refugees can be very successful, at least from the psychotherapist perspective, but also poses significant challenges. Our findings underline the importance of developing, testing, and institutionalizing structured and structural approaches to training psychotherapists in cross-cultural therapy at scale, to accommodate the rising mental health care need of refugees as a client group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baye Berihun Asfaw
- Department of Psychology, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Gonder, P.O. Box: 196, Gonder, Ethiopia.
| | - Claudia Beiersmann
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Verena Keck
- Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, Goethe University Frankfurt/Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christoph Nikendei
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Janine Benson-Martin
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Gesundheitsamt Enzkreis, Pforzheim, Germany
| | | | - Julia Lohmann
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Lu J, Jamani S, Benjamen J, Agbata E, Magwood O, Pottie K. Global Mental Health and Services for Migrants in Primary Care Settings in High-Income Countries: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8627. [PMID: 33233666 PMCID: PMC7699722 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Migrants are at a higher risk for common mental health problems than the general population but are less likely to seek care. To improve access, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the integration of mental health services into primary care. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of the types and characteristics of mental health services provided to migrants in primary care following resettlement in high-income countries. We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, Global Health, and other databases from 1 January 2000 to 15 April 2020. The inclusion criteria consisted of all studies published in English, reporting mental health services and practices for refugee, asylum seeker, or undocumented migrant populations, and were conducted in primary care following resettlement in high-income countries. The search identified 1627 citations and we included 19 studies. The majority of the included studies were conducted in North America. Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessed technology-assisted mental health screening, and one assessed integrating intensive psychotherapy and case management in primary care. There was a paucity of studies considering gender, children, seniors, and in European settings. More equity-focused research is required to improve primary mental health care in the context of global mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Lu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada;
| | - Shabana Jamani
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (S.J.); (J.B.)
| | - Joseph Benjamen
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (S.J.); (J.B.)
| | - Eric Agbata
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1, Canada; (E.A.); (O.M.)
| | - Olivia Magwood
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1, Canada; (E.A.); (O.M.)
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Kevin Pottie
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1, Canada; (E.A.); (O.M.)
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Ave. E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
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