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Härkönen M. "A mini home far away from home." The Thai temple and women's sense of safety in Finland. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1354068. [PMID: 38988393 PMCID: PMC11234287 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1354068] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This article explores the significance of the Thai Buddhist temple for Thai women's sense of safety in Finland. Despite the growing popularity of Buddhism in the country, research literature and media have largely ignored the religiosity of Thai women, focusing instead on negative stereotypes. The article highlights the importance of Buddhism and the temple in the lives of Thai women who have migrated to European countries and challenges biased portrayals of Thai women in previous research. Methods Based on ethnographic research at the Thai temples in Finland and life story interviews with twelve Thai women. Results The article argues that the temple plays a crucial role in promoting a sense of safety among Thai women by providing a sense of home, belonging, and meaning. The temple's material and symbolic characteristics, in addition to its communality and relationality, work together to connect individuals with the temple's religious significance, contributing to the women's sense of security. Discussion These findings speak for the fact that when facing the challenges of Thai women or other religious and ethical minorities, it is necessary to also look to their religion as a source of mental and spiritual well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Härkönen
- Faculty of Theology, Practical Theology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Pongthippat W, Östlund G, Darvishpour M, Kijsomporn J, Gustafsson LK. Illuminating health aspects for immigrant Thai women in Swedish transnational marriages. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:337. [PMID: 38867221 PMCID: PMC11167763 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03071-6] [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: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women who are migrants experience discrimination and face major risks, including sexual exploitation, trafficking, and violence, which affect their health and well-being. This study explored critical health incidents experienced by immigrant Thai women in marriage migration. METHODS A qualitative explorative approach with in-depth interviews was used. Forty immigrant Thai women who currently or previously had a Swedish spouse were recruited for the study. An inductive critical incident technique was used to collect and analyze the data as the first step. In a second deductive step, the Newman system model was used to categorize health dilemmas. RESULTS The women reported 438 critical health incidents in five main areas. Psychological health dilemmas included emotional abuse, feeling overwhelmed due to family responsibilities and the stress of leaving family behind. Sociocultural health dilemmas included transnational family duties or not performing family duties. Physiological health dilemmas included experiencing physical violence and environmental, domestic or work accidents. Developmental health dilemmas included failing health, difficulties upholding the duties expected of a spouse in the target culture and caring for an elderly husband. Spiritual health dilemmas included critical incidents in which the women perceived themselves to have failed in their hopes and duties as a wife, which intensified their dependence on faith, particularly the Buddhist concept of karma. CONCLUSION Professionals in health and welfare practices in Thailand together with professionals in Western countries who work with women in marriage migration situations need to recognize the psychological, sociocultural, physiological, developmental, and spiritual health dilemmas experienced by these women. Furthermore, civil organizations that meet Thai women in foreign countries, such as Buddhist cultural associations, would benefit from the multicultural knowledge revealed by the present study. This knowledge can facilitate healthcare and welfare support for women in marriage migration situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weerati Pongthippat
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Box 325, Eskilstuna, 631 05, Sweden.
- Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing Department, Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Udon Thani, Thailand.
| | - Gunnel Östlund
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Box 325, Eskilstuna, 631 05, Sweden
| | - Mehrdad Darvishpour
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Box 325, Eskilstuna, 631 05, Sweden
| | | | - Lena-Karin Gustafsson
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Box 325, Eskilstuna, 631 05, Sweden
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Tavrow P, Paulus K, Huynh D, Yoo C, Liang D, Pathomrit W, Withers M. Psychosocial barriers to, and enablers of, intimate partner violence disclosure among Asian-American immigrant women. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2023; 25:1659-1674. [PMID: 36794320 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2023.2175910] [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: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Although Asian women immigrants to the USA rarely disclose intimate partner violence, local research indicates that among them domestic abuse is prevalent. This study aimed to determine the main psychosocial barriers and enablers to disclosure among Asian-American women in California, and whether barriers outweighed benefits. We used a novel qualitative methodology of indirect and direct questioning with sixty married women from four ethnicities (Korean, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese). Overall, barriers to disclosure were more compelling and tangible than enablers, particularly among Mandarin Chinese and Korean speakers. Five main barriers were found: victim-blaming, beliefs in female inferiority and male dominance, familial shame, individual shame and fear of undesirable consequences. Only extreme violence and the need to protect children from harm were seen as warranting disclosure. As a result, health and other providers' encouragement of disclosure is unlikely to be sufficient to achieve behavioural change. Abused Asian immigrant women need anonymous ways of obtaining professional counselling, information and resources. In addition, community-level awareness programmes in Asian languages are needed to reduce victim-blaming and misinformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Tavrow
- Community Health Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kirsten Paulus
- Community Health Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dan Huynh
- Community Health Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Caroline Yoo
- Community Health Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Di Liang
- Community Health Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Wanda Pathomrit
- Community Health Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mellissa Withers
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Macassa G, Wijk K, Rashid M, Hiswåls AS, Daca C, Soares J. Interpersonal Violence Is Associated with Self-Reported Stress, Anxiety and Depression among Men in East-Central Sweden: Results of a Population-Based Survey. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59020235. [PMID: 36837437 PMCID: PMC9963948 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59020235] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Interpersonal violence is a social and public health problem globally, and though it is related to poor health outcomes across all genders, most research has been directed towards violence against women. As a result, the health consequences of men's victimization may be underreported and unaddressed. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between interpersonal violence and the psychological health outcomes of self-reported stress, anxiety, and depression among men. Materials and Methods: The study used data from the male sample (n = 2597) of the 2018 Health on Equal Terms Survey conducted in Gävleborg County in East-Central Sweden. Regression analysis was carried out to study the relationship between interpersonal violence and self-reported stress, anxiety, and depression. Results: The bivariate analysis showed that there was a statistically significant association between interpersonal violence and self-reported stress (OR 2.35; CI 1.45-3.81), anxiety (OR 1.54; CI 1.06-2.25), and depression (OR 2.30; CI 1.48-3.57). Controlling for other variables in the multivariate analysis removed the statistically significant relationship and reduced the odds ratios for stress (OR 1.46; CI 0.57-3.74), anxiety (OR 0.86; 0.40-1.84), and depression (OR 1.40; CI 0.67-3.32) respectively. Conclusions: The study found that interpersonal violence among men was associated with stress, anxiety and depression which was largely explained by demographic, socioeconomic, and health/behavior-related factors. The findings suggest the need for longitudinal studies to assess causal links between male victimization and psychological health outcomes at the county level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Macassa
- Department of Public Health and Sports Science, Faculty of Occupational and Health Sciences, University of Gävle, Kungsbacksvägen 47, 80176 Gävle, Sweden
- EPIUnit–Instituto de Saude Publica, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Katarina Wijk
- Centre for Research and Development, Uppsala University, Region Gävleborg, 80187 Gävle, Sweden
- Department of Occupational Health Sciences and Psychology, University of Gävle, Kungsbacksvägen 47, 80176 Gävle, Sweden
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mamunur Rashid
- Department of Public Health and Sports Science, Faculty of Occupational and Health Sciences, University of Gävle, Kungsbacksvägen 47, 80176 Gävle, Sweden
| | - Anne-Sofie Hiswåls
- Department of Public Health and Sports Science, Faculty of Occupational and Health Sciences, University of Gävle, Kungsbacksvägen 47, 80176 Gävle, Sweden
| | - Chanvo Daca
- Department of Cooperation, Ministry of Health, Directorate of Planning and Cooperation, Avenida Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo P.O. Box 264, Mozambique
| | - Joaquim Soares
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid-Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 85170 Sundsvall, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Universidade Europeia, Estrada da Correia nº53, 1500-210 Lisbon, Portugal
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McNeil A, Hicks L, Yalcinoz-Ucan B, Browne DT. Prevalence & Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence During COVID-19: A Rapid Review. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2023; 38:241-261. [PMID: 35368512 PMCID: PMC8961087 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-022-00386-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, governments enacted a range of public health measures aimed at preventing the spread of the virus. These measures resulted in school closures, social isolation, and job loss, which all contributed to increased psychosocial stress, particularly among families with pre-existing vulnerability factors. Given the relationship between increased psychosocial stress and intimate partner violence (IPV), this rapid review investigated change in the prevalence and correlates of IPV victimization during the first six months of the pandemic. PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane COVID-19 registry were reviewed. This search resulted in 255 unique results, of which 24 studies were included. There were 19 studies that examined changes in the rate of IPV from before the COVID-19 pandemic to during the pandemic. Of the studies examining changes in the rate of IPV, 11 found a significant increase. Key vulnerability factors contributing to the increase include low socioeconomic status, unemployment, a personal or familial COVID-19 diagnosis, family mental illness, or overcrowding. Six studies examined whether the presence of children in the home was associated with IPV, but the direction of this relationship was inconsistent. This review finds preliminary evidence of a relationship between COVID-19 induced stressors, pre-existing vulnerabilities, and increased IPV, which present important implications for policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliya McNeil
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1 Canada
| | - Lydia Hicks
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1 Canada
| | - Busra Yalcinoz-Ucan
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1 Canada
| | - Dillon T. Browne
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1 Canada
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Social support and intimate partner violence in rural Pakistan: A longitudinal investigation of the bi-directional relationship. SSM Popul Health 2022; 19:101173. [PMID: 35928171 PMCID: PMC9343409 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A large body of cross-sectional evidence finds strong and consistent associations between social support and intimate partner violence (IPV). However, the directionality of this relationship has not been firmly established due to a dearth of longitudinal evidence. Using cohort study data collected over a 3 year period from 945 women in rural Pakistan, we investigated the longitudinal relationship between IPV and social support. Friend and family social support was measured with the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, and IPV was measured with questions adopted from the World Health Organization's Violence Against Women Instrument, which was used to construct a measure of IPV severity. We estimated longitudinal associations in linear regression models that controlled for women's educational level, age at marriage, age, household composition, household assets, depressive symptoms, and Adverse Childhood Experiences. We found evidence of a bi-directional, mutually re-enforcing relationship that showed unique associations by type of social support. Specifically, we found that high social support from family, though not friends, decreased IPV severity 1 year later, and that higher IPV severity led to reductions in both friend and family social support 1 year later. Results suggest that interventions involving family members could be especially effective at reducing IPV in this context, and - given that low social support leads to many adverse health outcomes - results suggest that IPV can result in secondary harms due to diminished social support. In summary, our study confirms a bi-directional relationship between IPV and social support and suggests that IPV interventions that integrate social support may be especially effective at reducing IPV and mitigating secondary harms.
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Mojahed A, Brym S, Hense H, Grafe B, Helfferich C, Lindert J, Garthus-Niegel S. Rapid Review on the Associations of Social and Geographical Isolation and Intimate Partner Violence: Implications for the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:578150. [PMID: 33927649 PMCID: PMC8076499 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.578150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While the COVID-19 pandemic forced millions of people to stay home and minimize their social contacts, newspaper reports worldwide raised concerns as they reported an increasing rate of intimate partner violence (IPV). One link of the measures enforced to control the pandemic to IPV might be a possible side effect of those measures, namely social and geographical isolation. As there was no scientific data investigating the association of IPV and social and geographical isolation in the context of epidemics or pandemics at the time of conducting this rapid review, we aimed at investigating a broader range of contexts of social as well as geographical isolation and its association with IPV to draw conclusions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. We searched Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science (core collection). A research strategy was developed and observational studies were included if they considered men and/or women, estimates of social and geographical isolation, and IPV as a primary outcome. Of the 526 identified studies, 11 were included in this review. The included studies involved 15,695 women and were conducted in the USA, Sweden, Ethiopia, Egypt, Spain, and Turkey. Indicators of social isolation such as lack of social, emotional, or informational support or the frequency and quality of social contacts were narratively assessed. Geographical isolation was primarily assessed by physical distance to the next town or support service. Both social and geographic isolation were found to be associated with an increased risk of IPV. Recommendations made by the individual studies include the following: (a) improving access to social networks outside the victims' own group, (b) improving their economic circumstances, (c) asserting the responsibility for those in contact with the victims, and (d) increasing the focus on access to preventive services and programs need to be taken into account. Therefore, considering the particular infrastructure and legislation of the countries affected by the pandemic, policies need to ensure constant access to shelters and other help services and increase awareness for IPV in the society. In addition, future studies are warranted to assess prevalence rates and risk factors of IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amera Mojahed
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephanie Brym
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Helene Hense
- Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus and Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Bianca Grafe
- Social Science Research Institute for Gender Issues (SoFFI F.), Protestant University of Applied Sciences, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Helfferich
- Social Science Research Institute for Gender Issues (SoFFI F.), Protestant University of Applied Sciences, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jutta Lindert
- University of Applied Sciences, Emden/Leer, Emden, Germany
- Women's Research Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, United States
| | - Susan Garthus-Niegel
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Tschirhart N, Straiton M, Ottersen T, Winkler AS. "Living like I am in Thailand": stress and coping strategies among Thai migrant masseuses in Oslo, Norway. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2019; 19:139. [PMID: 31729987 PMCID: PMC6858645 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-019-0836-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Migrants experience stress before, during and after migrating to a new country, all of which influences their mental wellbeing. In Norway, migration from Thailand is highly gendered as most Thai migrants are women who migrate to live with their Norwegian spouse. Massage shops, often owned by Thai entrepreneurs, are a locale where women use their cultural knowledge to bridge into the local economy. There is little knowledge about Thai migrant masseuses’ experience of stress in daily life and associated coping strategies. The objective of this inquiry was to examine stressors and coping strategies among Thai migrant masseuses in Oslo, Norway. Methods We conducted in-depth interviews with 14 Thai migrants who were working as masseuses in Oslo, Norway. We asked participants about their health, experiences of stress, and coping strategies and subsequently analyzed the data using thematic analysis. Results Stress in participants’ lives related to settling in, loneliness, finances and spousal relationships. Of these, relationship conflict was the largest source of stress. Women largely embraced self-coping strategies and utilized Thai cultural practices and Buddhist cognitive thinking. Once relationship conflict became untenable, participants fought to change their situation. Limited fluency in Norwegian, Thai stigma about mental health and limited knowledge of the Norwegian health system were barriers to seeking healthcare. Conclusions Migrants in our study often adopted “Thainess”, the use of Thai cultural practices and Buddhist cognitive thinking, as a strategy for coping with stress. Preferences for self-coping, mental health stigma, and linguistic competency are important considerations when designing mental wellbeing interventions for Thai women. Use of an interpreter or systems navigator can help overcome language barriers. Clinicians can take detailed case histories to better understand Thai patients’ stress, coping strategies and wellbeing. Health policy makers could consider network approaches, including using Thai health systems navigators to bridge the health system and Thai communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Tschirhart
- Oslo Group on Global Health Policy, Department of Community Medicine and Global Health and Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Postboks 1130 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Melanie Straiton
- Department for Mental Health and Suicide, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trygve Ottersen
- Oslo Group on Global Health Policy, Department of Community Medicine and Global Health and Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Postboks 1130 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway. .,Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222 Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Andrea S Winkler
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Postboks 1130 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
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Transnational marriages and the health and well-being of Thai migrant women living in Norway. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MIGRATION, HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE 2019. [DOI: 10.1108/ijmhsc-01-2018-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the health and well-being of Thai immigrant women in transnational marriages.
Design/methodology/approach
Interviews with 13 Thai women living in Norway who have (had) a Norwegian spouse/partner were conducted and the transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
Initial culture shock and a mixture of employment issues, transnational ties, marital relationships and social networks intertwined to influence women’s health and well-being over time. Sending financial remittances to family in Thailand could be challenging due to struggles to obtain suitable employment, working in low-paid physical jobs and spouses’ lack of understanding of this cultural practice. Over time, these intertwined factors led to chronic stress and deteriorating health for some. Thai networks and friendships were important for emotional and practical support.
Practical implications
More organised assistance may be beneficial to facilitate integration, reduce social isolation and improve employment opportunities.
Originality/value
Research on Thai women has so far focused on their position as immigrant wives and the vulnerabilities to exploitation and abuse they face. Focusing on only discourses around marital relationships may be limiting when trying to understand factors that influence the health and well-being of Thai immigrant women.
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Pongthippat W, Darvishpour M, Kijsomporn J, Östlund G. Broken dreams of a better life in Sweden: Thai women's lived experiences of intimate partner violence by Swedish men in international marriages. Glob Health Action 2018; 11:1496889. [PMID: 30073910 PMCID: PMC6084501 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2018.1496889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Intimate partner violence by men against women has detrimental effects on equality, health and integration. Migrated and ‘imported’ wives experience an increased risk of intimate partner violence. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore Thai immigrant women’s lived experiences of intimate partner violence in Sweden. Method: Semi-structured interviews based on the critical incident technique with specific questions about experiences of male-to-female intimate partner violence were used to collect data. The participants were Thai immigrant women who had lived in Sweden for more than five years. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify patterns and variations in the transcribed data material. Results: Eighteen interviewees reported psychological, physical, economic and/or sexual violence in their international marriages. These Thai women described being faithful and silent and reliable housewives. However, this did not keep them from being replaced and losing dignity as a result of intimate partner violence, including experiencing broken dreams and deception. Although their dreams were broken, they did not give up their efforts to achieve better lives in Sweden. Conclusions: The vulnerability of imported wives in international marriages needs to be further recognised by health and welfare agencies in Sweden, as elsewhere, to ensure that these women have equal access to human rights, welfare and health as other citizens. From a health promotion perspective, home-based health check-ups are needed to stop the exploitation of imported wives. In Thailand, information and education about the unrecognised negative conditions of the Mia farang role (Imported wife role) need to be disseminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weerati Pongthippat
- a School of Health, Care and Social Welfare , Mälardalen University , Eskilstuna , Sweden.,b Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing Department , Boromarajonani College of Nursing Udon Thani , Udon Thani , Thailand
| | - Mehrdad Darvishpour
- a School of Health, Care and Social Welfare , Mälardalen University , Eskilstuna , Sweden
| | - Jureerat Kijsomporn
- c Praboromrajchanok Institute for Health Workforce Development , Ministry of Public Health , Nonthaburi , Thailand
| | - Gunnel Östlund
- a School of Health, Care and Social Welfare , Mälardalen University , Eskilstuna , Sweden
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Fernbrant C, Agardh A, Emmelin M. Possibilities for maintaining a strong self - a grounded theory study of relational experiences among Thai women in Sweden. Glob Health Action 2018; 10:1396881. [PMID: 29119873 PMCID: PMC5700535 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2017.1396881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Due to increasing globalization and Internet communication, the number of international marriages has increased. In Sweden, 75% of the Thai population are women, among whom 80% are partnered with Swedish or other Scandinavian men. Previous studies have indicated that lack of autonomy, social isolation, and stigma are important risk factors for poor mental health for foreign-born women as well as for women in international marriages. Objectives: To explore what characterizes the processes, choices, challenges and relational conditions that Thai women, partnered with Swedish or Danish men, experience during their first years in Sweden. Method: A qualitative study using a Constructivist Grounded Theory approach based on fourteen individual interviews with Thai women partnered with Swedish or Danish men and residing in Sweden. Results: The core category ‘possibilities to maintain a strong self in Sweden’ is linked to five categories characterizing the process that the women go through over time. The subcategories illustrate different paths taken even if there were possibilities to change paths along the way. The women had, for different reasons, reached a turning point that made them leave Thailand. In Sweden, they started in dependency and struggled in different ways to adjust to relational norms and handle prejudice. Toward the end of the timeline, differing ways of recognizing life choices depended on access to social networks and partners’ attitudes. Conclusion: Our study showed the crucial role of economical, emotional and social support from partners and networks for Thai women’s possibilities to maintain a strong self and good health after migration. This implies a need for supporting Thai women to be more independent by providing access to language education, employment and community involvement. The current requirement for becoming a permanent resident should also be reviewed not to jeopardize women international marriages possibilities’ to leave unhealthy relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Fernbrant
- a Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences , Lund University , Malmö , Sweden
| | - Anette Agardh
- a Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences , Lund University , Malmö , Sweden
| | - Maria Emmelin
- a Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences , Lund University , Malmö , Sweden
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Lövestad S, Löve J, Vaez M, Krantz G. Prevalence of intimate partner violence and its association with symptoms of depression; a cross-sectional study based on a female population sample in Sweden. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:335. [PMID: 28424072 PMCID: PMC5397670 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4222-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is the most common type of violence targeting women. IPV includes acts of physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviors and these forms of violence often coexist in the same relationship. Living with IPV is associated with serious mental health outcomes such as depression and depressive symptoms. Few population based studies from Sweden have investigated the relationship between different forms of IPV and women’s depressive symptoms and even fewer used controlling behavior as an independent variable in such studies. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the prevalence of exposure to IPV in terms of controlling behavior, sexual, and physical violence and their association with self-reported symptoms of depression in a female population based sample. Methods The cross-sectional, population based sample contained 573 women aged 18–65 years randomly selected in Sweden. Five self-reported symptoms that define depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders were assessed. Physical and sexual violence were inquired about using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Violence Against Women Instrument (VAWI), while controlling behavior was assessed with the Controlling Behavior Scale (CBS). Associations between different forms of IPV and symptoms of depression were estimated by crude and adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Bivariable associations revealed that women exposed to controlling behavior, had higher OR of depressive symptoms compared to unexposed women (OR 2.43; 95% CI 1.63–3.63). Women exposed to physical and sexual violence had also a higher OR of depressive symptoms (OR 3.78; 95% CI 1.99–7.17 and OR 5.10; 95% CI 1.74–14.91 respectively). After adjusting for socio-demographic and psychosocial covariates, all three forms of IPV showed statistically significant associations with self-reported symptoms of depression. Conclusions A strength with this study is the analysis of controlling behavior and its association with self-reported symptoms of depression in a female population based sample. Exposure to controlling behavior, physical and sexual violence by an intimate partner were clearly associated with women’s self-reported symptoms of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solveig Lövestad
- Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Box 453, 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Jesper Löve
- Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Box 453, 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Marjan Vaez
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Insurance Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE- 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Krantz
- Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Box 453, 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden
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Thai women entrepreneurs in Sweden: Critical perspectives on migrant small businesses. WOMENS STUDIES INTERNATIONAL FORUM 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wsif.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Knowledge and utilization of sexual and reproductive healthcare services among Thai immigrant women in Sweden. BMC INTERNATIONAL HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS 2016; 16:25. [PMID: 27724904 PMCID: PMC5057435 DOI: 10.1186/s12914-016-0100-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background Migration from Thailand to Sweden has increased threefold over the last 10 years. Today Thailand is one of the most common countries of origin among immigrants in Sweden. Since the year 2000, new HIV cases are also more prevalent among Thai immigrants compared to other immigrant nationalities in Sweden. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between knowledge and utilization of sexual and reproductive healthcare services, contraceptive knowledge and socio-demographic characteristics and social capital among Thai immigrant women in Sweden. Methods This is a cross-sectional study using a postal questionnaire to all Thai women (18–64) in two Swedish regions, who immigrated to the country between 2006 and 2011. The questionnaire was answered by 804 women (response rate 62.3 %). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. Results The majority (52.1 %) of Thai women had poor knowledge of where they should turn when they need sexual and reproductive healthcare services. After controlling for potential confounders, living without a partner (OR = 2.02, CI: 1.16–3.54), having low trust in others (OR = 1.61, CI: 1.10–2.35), having predominantly bonding social capital (OR = 1.50, CI: 1.02–2.23) and belonging to the oldest age group (OR = 2.65, CI: 1.32–5.29) were identified as risk factors for having poor knowledge. The majority (56.7 %) had never been in contact with healthcare services to get advice on contraception, and about 75 % had never been HIV/STI tested in Sweden. Low utilization of healthcare was associated with poor knowledge about healthcare services (OR = 6.07, CI: 3.94–9.34) and living without a partner (OR = 2.53, CI: 1.30–4.90). Most Thai women had knowledge of how to prevent an unwanted pregnancy (91.6 %) and infection with HIV/STI (91.1 %). Conclusions The findings indicate that social capital factors such as high trust in others and predominantly bridging social capital promote access to knowledge about healthcare services. However, only one-fourth of the women had been HIV/STI tested, and due to the HIV prevalence among Thai immigrants in Sweden, policy makers and health professionals need to include Thai immigrants in planning health promotion efforts and healthcare interventions.
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Sundborg E, Alinaghizadeh H, Törnkvist L, Saleh-Stattin N, Michelsen H, Wändell P. Psychometric Testing of an Instrument About Intimate Partner Violence. Clin Nurs Res 2016; 27:497-515. [PMID: 27311304 DOI: 10.1177/1054773816652085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study used step-by-step exploratory factor analysis in the framework of confirmatory factor analysis (EFA/CFA) to evaluate the psychometric properties of the translated and culturally adapted Swedish version of "The Violence Against Women Health Care Provider Survey." The Swedish version of the instrument was needed to measure district nurses' preparedness to encounter women exposed to intimate partner violence. In the first step of EFA/CFA, the eight-factor model was confirmed. The item-total correlations ranged from .22 to 1.01, and Cronbach's alphas from .68 to .71. After removing four items, the corrected item-total correlations ranged from .40 to .97. On the basis of the analysis, we concluded that the Swedish version of the instrument is valid and reliable for evaluating the preparedness of district nurses in Sweden to encounter women exposed to intimate partner violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Sundborg
- 1 Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | - P Wändell
- 1 Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent studies on mental health consequences of violence against women and girls were reviewed in a range of situations. RECENT FINDINGS Although several studies continued to show cross-sectional associations between child sexual abuse (CSA) and mental health outcomes, a few prospective studies showed a robust association between CSA and depression. Studies on the impact of dating violence are still at a nascent stage and focus on antecedents of violence rather than its consequences. Women at higher risk, such as adolescents, migrants, the homeless, and women in the perinatal period have been studied and specific vulnerabilities identified. Women reporting bidirectional violence had higher rates of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cumulative violence, severity of violence, and recent violence are associated with higher morbidity. Studies among women in conflict zones have emphasized the role of different forms of sexual and physical violence on mental health. SUMMARY Newer emerging areas that need more research include mental health consequences of women in conflict zones and among same sex relationships. There are also few studies on the violence experience of both older women and adolescents. The need to better delineate the psychopathology of complex manifestations of PTSD is underscored.
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