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Cohen F. Cultural idioms of distress among displaced populations: A scoping review. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2023; 69:5-13. [PMID: 35946075 DOI: 10.1177/00207640221114742] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Armed conflicts and natural disasters can cause significant psychological and social challenges for affected populations. Displaced populations are extremely heterogeneous in terms of culture, language, and experiences of crises. Current diagnostic criteria is insufficient when evaluating the symptoms and treatment of mental health issues across contexts. AIM This scoping review presents information about cultural idioms of distress across displaced populations. The review includes aspects of etiology, symptomology, and proposed intervention methods. METHODS I conducted a Boolean search of academic and grey literature for studies that described cultural idioms of distress among displaced populations. Results were analyzed using thematic analysis and grounded theory. RESULTS A shared sense of injustice, spirit possession, and karma are common etiologies for mental distress among displaced populations. Symptoms include somatic complaints, 'thinking a lot', and interpersonal challenges such as social isolation and a fear of others. Potential interventions are likely on a community-level, including the generation of community mechanisms for conflict-resolution, reconciliation, and culturally grounded healing rituals. CONCLUSIONS It is vital to understand the ways displaced communities conceptualize their mental health in order to develop appropriate culturally grounded interventions. Understanding the etiology, symptoms, and proposed interventions can inform and improve humanitarian aid delivery of mental health and psychosocial support services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Cohen
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA
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2
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Brance K, Chatzimpyros V, Bentall RP. Increased social identification is linked with lower depressive and anxiety symptoms among ethnic minorities and migrants: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 99:102216. [PMID: 36379127 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that social identities, which provide purpose and a sense of belonging to the social world, promote resilience against psychological strain and protect well-being. This is especially important in ethnic minorities, who experience exclusion and discrimination from the majority group, and in migrant populations where adverse experiences, such as prejudice, disconnection from previous identities and issues of integration into the host country, negatively impact well-being. Drawing from the social identity theory, a meta-analysis was conducted examining the influence of group memberships and sense of belonging on ethnic minority and migrant mental health (depression and anxiety). The final search on three databases (i.e., PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science) was conducted on August 9th, 2022, identifying 3236 citations before removing any duplicates within and between databases. Across the 74 studies that met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis, increased social identification (ethnic, national and other types of identification) was associated with low psychological symptoms. We found that social identification is protective against common psychological disorders but with small effect sizes for depression (r = - 0.09, CI = [- 0.12; - 0.06]) and anxiety (r = - 0.08, CI [- 0.12; - 0.03]). Results are discussed with regard to the role that social context plays on ethnic minority and migrant mental health and the importance of facilitating migrant integration with the host society after displacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Brance
- Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, UK; South East European Research Center, SEERC, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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3
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Kanagaratnam P, Pandalangat N, Silver I, Toner B. A mental health framework from the voices of refugees. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 68:1663-1670. [PMID: 34666515 PMCID: PMC9597141 DOI: 10.1177/00207640211052922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Refugee groups fleeing war and violence and resettling in the West are one of the population groups that are poorly understood. Understanding their mental health challenges and providing effective and evidence-based interventions continue to be formidable challenges. AIM This study presents a refugee mental health framework [RMHF] that was developed to address the gaps in understanding and responding to the needs of refugee populations by prioritizing their voices, and incorporating lessons learned from working with these refugee communities into the development of the framework. METHOD A RMHF was developed, presented and refined with input from refugee communities, multiple stakeholders and an expert panel. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS This paper presents the process and finalized framework, and discusses its utility as a mapping, planning and intervention tool in supporting refugee communities with their resettlement and promoting mental wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpa Kanagaratnam
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto East Psychological Services, ON, Canada
| | - Nalini Pandalangat
- Immigrant, Refugees & Newcomer Communities Program, Sherbourne Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ivan Silver
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brenda Toner
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
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Dowrick C, Rosala-Hallas A, Rawlinson R, Khan N, Winrow E, Chiumento A, Burnside G, Aslam R, Billows L, Eriksson-Lee M, Lawrence D, McCluskey R, Mackinnon A, Moitt T, Orton L, Roberts E, Rahman A, Smith G, Tudor Edwards R, Uwamaliya P, White R. The Problem Management Plus psychosocial intervention for distressed and functionally impaired asylum seekers and refugees: the PROSPER feasibility RCT. PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.3310/nzxa0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
The prevalence of psychological morbidity among asylum seekers and refugees is high, but these groups encounter extensive barriers to accessing health and social care. The aim of the PROSPER study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial in the UK of Problem Management Plus (PM+), an evidence-based psychosocial intervention delivered by lay therapists for distressed and functionally impaired asylum seekers and refugees.
Design
We undertook a feasibility study of PM+, which included a pilot study of the design features of a future definitive randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation. The feasibility study involved the adaptation of PM+ based on evidence drawn from literature synthesis and local stakeholder engagement, and a two-stage training procedure for lay therapists. These were followed by a pilot trial designed to assess the feasibility of conducting a three-arm randomised controlled trial of five 90-minute sessions of PM+, delivered individually or in groups, with 105 participants randomised 1 : 1 : 1 to individual PM+, group PM+ or a control intervention. Primary health outcomes were anxiety and depressive symptoms at 3 months; other outcomes included post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, quality of life, progress with identified goals and service use.
Findings
We demonstrated that the form and content of PM+ could be adapted to meet the needs of asylum seekers and refugees. Twelve people with lived experience of the asylum process were successfully trained as lay therapists to deliver this targeted, low-intensity psychosocial intervention in local asylum seeker and refugee communities. The pilot trial was affected by governance issues. It began in December 2019 and was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. We were not able to complete recruitment and follow-up as planned; 11 out of 105 (10%) participants were recruited to the pilot trial (individual PM+, n = 4; group PM+, n = 3; control, n = 4); 8 out of 11 participants were followed up at 13 weeks and 7 out of 11 participants were followed up at 26 weeks. (Preliminary data were gathered on recruitment and retention, intervention fidelity and acceptability of study measures, including service use measures.)
Limitations
Protracted delays due to governance issues, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, meant that we were unable to complete the pilot trial or to provide evidence regarding the feasibility of group PM+. The complexities of working with multiple languages and cultural groups were noted. There were mixed views on how successful PM+ might prove, and we had insufficient evidence to provide clear conclusions.
Future work
Future research could explore how technology can be used to improve the acceptability, feasibility, efficacy and potential cost-effectiveness of scalable mental health interventions and well-being support for distressed asylum seekers and refugees. The use of mobile phone and/or app-based forms of support may help to increase asylum seekers’ and refugees’ willingness to engage in research of this type.
Conclusions
Although it was not possible to specify the parameters for a full randomised controlled trial of PM+ for asylum seekers and refugees in the UK, our findings offer guidance on strategies that may be of value in future studies of this nature.
Trial registration
This trial is registered as ISRCTN15214107.
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 10, No. 10. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Dowrick
- Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Anna Rosala-Hallas
- Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rebecca Rawlinson
- Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Naila Khan
- Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Eira Winrow
- Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Anna Chiumento
- Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Girvan Burnside
- Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Lawrence
- Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Tracy Moitt
- Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lois Orton
- Department of Sociological Studies, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Atif Rahman
- Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Grahame Smith
- School of Nursing and Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Philomene Uwamaliya
- School of Nursing and Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ross White
- Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Interpreter-mediated CBT – a practical implementation guide for working with spoken language interpreters. COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPIST 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s1754470x2200006x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In the UK, over three-quarters of a million people cannot speak English well enough to access cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in English. If they are to receive an equitable service, they need to be able to access (spoken language) interpreter-mediated therapy. This means that CBT therapists may need support, through training and supervision, to feel confident and positive about incorporating an interpreter into the therapeutic relationship. The requirement for CBT therapists to be able to work effectively with an interpreter is currently acknowledged in the new BABCP minimum training standards and core curriculum, which are recommended for adoption (BABCP, 2021). Understandably, therapists can feel anxious about working with a third person in the room, but when these anxieties are honestly addressed and explored, creative solutions can be found. Therapy is usually conducted in a dyad. A triadic relationship requires attention to the systems at play inside and outside of the therapy room. With careful preparation and planning, interpreter-mediated therapy can be an effective and positive experience for the patient. After an introductory section, the paper is divided into six implementation sections: preparing for interpreter-mediated therapy; meta communication; boundaries; managing three-way relationships; working with interpreters remotely; and support needs of interpreters. Using a case example approach, interpreter-mediated therapeutic situations, which illustrate challenges and solutions, and examples of good practice, are explored. The paper offers practical guidance and illustrations which can form the basis of a training programme which teaches CBT therapists how to form a collaborative working relationship with an interpreter, how a therapist can stay active and maintain their clinical authority in a session in which they do not understand what is being said, and how CBT therapists can ensure that the therapy session remains safe and effective for all three of the participants in the interpreter-mediated encounter.
Key learning aims
(1)
To help CBT therapists feel more confident and positive about working with spoken language interpreters.
(2)
To prepare CBT therapists to create a more accessible service for those patients who do not speak sufficient English to engage in therapy without support.
(3)
To provide CBT therapists with key principles for managing the pulls and pushes in a triadic relationship when you do not understand the language(s) spoken in the room.
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Gagliardi J, Brettschneider C, König HH. Health-related quality of life of refugees: a systematic review of studies using the WHOQOL-Bref instrument in general and clinical refugee populations in the community setting. Confl Health 2021; 15:44. [PMID: 34078413 PMCID: PMC8173726 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-021-00378-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To systematically review studies on HRQOL, measured by the WHOQOL-Bref instrument, of refugees in general and clinical populations who are settled in the community of the hosting country, and outline the differences in scores among the two population groups and across the four domains of WHOQOL-Bref (physical, psychological, social relationships and environment domain) as well as factors impacting those outcomes. Methods Several databases were systematically searched by using a broad search strategy. Additionally, a hand search for grey literature was performed. Studies had to comply with the following inclusion criteria: (a) population of refugees; (b) living in the community of the country of destination; (c) assessing HRQOL through the WHOQOL-Bref instrument. Results 15 studies were identified and divided into two subgroups: (a) general population of refugees (b) clinical population of refugees, who were specifically selected for their mental status or because they had experienced relevant past traumas. Although we can outline common patterns among the two groups, in terms of domains scoring the highest and the lowest, heterogeneous values of HRQOL are observed across the studies included. Conclusions Individuals who were included in the clinical refugee group have a lower quality of life in respect to the general population of refugees. However, among the two groups different patterns can be outlined considering each domain of HRQOL: higher scores for the Physical and lower for the Environment domain when considering the general population of refugees and higher scores for the Environment and lower for the Psychological domain when referring to the clinical one. These lower scores are probably due to having a higher rate of mental distress and being more exposed to somatization, stigmatization and barriers to access the healthcare system of the hosting country. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13031-021-00378-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Gagliardi
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Economics, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 33, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Christian Brettschneider
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Helmut König
- Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, Hamburg Center for Health Economics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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Abstract
This study aimed to explore the ecological influences on subjective well-being identified by current and former community-dwelling asylum seekers engaged in the process of Refugee Status Determination in Australia. This article presents the qualitative component of a prospective mixed-methods study of 131 asylum seekers and refugees (T1, N = 131; T2, N = 56). The Framework Analysis method was employed to qualitatively analyse the narrative data derived from 187 semi-structured interviews documenting pre-, peri-, and post-migration experiences, and the impact of Australia's asylum policies and procedures. Four overarching themes comprising 15 sub-themes emerged: The Refugee Status Determination process (Waiting; Uncertainty; Worry); Psychosocial factors (Un/employment & gainful activity; Medicare; Accommodation; Family separation & loneliness; Loss); Health and well-being (Mental health; Physical health & somatic issues; Hopelessness; Helplessness); and Protective factors (Hope; Support & social connectivity; Religion). The complex interface between the Refugee Status Determination process, un/employment, and mental health concerns was the most salient finding. Policy implications are discussed in relation to the application of the Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees and the Guidelines on the Judicial Approach to Expert Medical Evidence.
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8
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Hassan H, Blackwood L. (Mis)recognition in the Therapeutic Alliance: The Experience of Mental Health Interpreters Working With Refugees in U.K. Clinical Settings. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:399-410. [PMID: 33135568 PMCID: PMC7750660 DOI: 10.1177/1049732320966586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Mental health interpreters play a crucial role in clinical support for refugees by providing a bridge between client and clinician. Yet research on interpreters' experiences and perspectives is remarkably sparse. In this study, semi-structured interviews with mental health interpreters explored the experience of working in clinical settings with refugees. We conducted inductive analysis informed by a reflexive thematic analytic approach. Our analysis identifies interpreters' pleasure in being part of people's recovery, offset by the pain of misrecognition by clinicians that signals low self-worth and invisibility. Three sites of tension that create dilemmas for interpreters are identified: maintaining professional boundaries, managing privately shared information, and recognizing cultural norms. These findings are discussed in terms of the implications for clinicians working with interpreters, with a focus on the importance of a relationship of trust founded on recognition of the interpreters' role and the unique challenges they face.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leda Blackwood
- University of Bath, Bath, United
Kingdom
- Leda Blackwood, University of Bath,
10W, Bath BA2 7AY, UK.
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9
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Abstract
The influence of psychosocial factors on the subjective wellbeing of asylum-seekers residing in host Western countries has scarcely been explored qualitatively. Qualitative data derived from a mixed methods prospective study investigated the subjective wellbeing of 56 community-dwelling asylum-seekers and refugees at baseline and an average of 15.7 months later. Positive and negative experiences over time were explored in relation to self-perceived emotional health. Nineteen positive and 15 negative categories of experience emerged. Distinct psychosocial and protective factors were salient regarding the valence of experiences over time, with positive experiences comprising employment, improved financial circumstances, and social support or connectivity. Negative experiences included news of adversity from one's homeland, un(der)employment, poor health, and factors relating to the refugee determination process. Positive and negative experiences were contemporaneous, indicating that employment and social support may ameliorate the detrimental impact of traversing the protracted process of refugee status determination for asylum-seekers in particular.
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10
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Kanagaratnam P, Pain C, McKenzie K, Ratnalingam N, Toner B. Recommendations for Canadian Mental Health Practitioners Working With War-Exposed Immigrants and Refugees. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.7870/cjcmh-2017-010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
With the inception of the mental health strategy for Canada, Changing Directions, Changing Lives, the ever increasing ethnic diversity in this country demands re-examination of our approaches to mental wellbeing and illness in the immigrant and refugee population arriving from war-torn countries. Contemporary clinical practice among mental health practitioners is not reflective of the emerging literature in this field, which points towards meaningful and culturally competent care. This article seeks to bridge the gap between existing knowledge and current practice, and provides recommendations for mental health practitioners who work with this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clare Pain
- University of Toronto
- University of Toronto
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11
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Liebling H, Burke S, Goodman S, Zasada D. Understanding the experiences of asylum seekers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MIGRATION, HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE 2014. [DOI: 10.1108/ijmhsc-06-2013-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to highlight the key issues of concern for asylum seekers in the UK by focusing on their in depth talk about their experiences, a so far neglected element in the current debate about asylum seeking.
Design/methodology/approach
– The study involved thematic analysis of asylum seekers’ accounts of their lives in their country of origin, their journeys to the UK and experiences following arrival. Nine participants took part in semi-structured interviews.
Findings
– Analysis resulted in seven themes; the importance of safety, negative experiences of the Home Office, support, emotional effects, significance of family, hopes for the future and the positive experiences of living in the UK.
Research limitations/implications
– Asylum seekers largely left their countries of origin to escape conflict, persecution, violence, arranged marriages and rape. They reported safety as a key concern and for this reason they were scared to return home.
Practical implications
– The research found Asylum seekers have fled traumatic situations and then have a difficult time in the UK. A more compassionate and supportive approach is needed. Policy recommendations are made with the aim of improving service responses.
Social implications
– The research demonstrates that the public understanding of asylum seeking does not match asylum seekers’ experiences and increased knowledge may help to improve this (mis) understanding.
Originality/value
– There is currently a lack of literature and empirical investigation of this subject area, so this research makes a contribution to the field of understanding asylum seekers’ experiences. The paper's focus is original and important combining asylum seekers’ accounts of their experiences following arrival in the UK. This subject is strategically important due to the pressing need to develop holistic and culturally sensitive research, which bridges and informs academia, more sensitive service responses and civil society.
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Goodman S, Burke S, Liebling H, Zasada D. ‘I Can't Go Back Because If I Go Back I Would Die’: How Asylum Seekers Manage Talk about Returning Home by Highlighting the Importance of Safety. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/casp.2217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daniel Zasada
- The Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre; Coventry UK
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13
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Hadgkiss EJ, Renzaho AMN. The physical health status, service utilisation and barriers to accessing care for asylum seekers residing in the community: a systematic review of the literature. AUST HEALTH REV 2014; 38:142-59. [PMID: 24679338 DOI: 10.1071/ah13113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To document physical health problems that asylum seekers experience on settlement in the community and to assess their utilisation of healthcare services and barriers to care, in an international context. METHODS A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies was undertaken according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase and CINAHL databases were searched from 2002 to October 2012, focusing on adult asylum seekers residing in the community in high-income countries. RESULTS The search yielded 1499 articles, of which 32 studies met the inclusion criteria - 23 quantitative and nine qualitative. Asylum seekers had complex health profiles spanning a range of infectious diseases, chronic non-communicable conditions, and reproductive-health issues. They appeared to utilise health services at a higher rate than the host population, yet faced significant barriers to care. CONCLUSION The findings of this study highlight the health inequities faced by asylum seekers residing in the communities of host countries, internationally. National data on asylum seekers' health profiles, service utilisation and barriers to care, as well as cross-country policy comparisons, are urgently required for the development of effective Australian health programs and evidence-based policy. What is known about the topic? The clinical and political focus of asylum seekers' health has largely been on the higher incidence of mental disorders and the impact of immigration detention. Since policy changes made in late 2011, an increasing number of asylum seekers have been permitted to live in the community while their claims are processed. There is a paucity of research exploring the physical health needs of asylum seekers residing in the community. What does this paper add? The international literature highlights the complexity of asylum seekers' health profiles. Although they appear to utilise health services at a higher rate than the host population, they continue to face many barriers to care. What are the implications for practitioners? Studies that explore policy options, including cross-country comparisons of health policy and guidelines that improve health outcomes, to foster equity of access and reduce health inequalities between asylum seekers and the host population are urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Hadgkiss
- Emergency Practice Innovation Centre, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, PO Box 2900, Fitzroy, Vic. 3065, Australia
| | - Andre M N Renzaho
- Migration, Social Disadvantage, and Health Programs, Global Health and Society Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 3, Burnet Building, 89 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
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Lindgren J, Ekblad S, Asplund M, Irestig R, Burström B. Mental ill health among asylum seekers and other immigrants in Sweden. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MIGRATION HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE 2012. [DOI: 10.1108/17479891211287067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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