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Wood JM, Leech RM, Margerison C. The prevalence of food insecurity amongst refugees and asylum seekers during, and prior to, their early resettlement period in Australia: A cross-sectional analysis of the 'Building a New Life in Australia' data. Appetite 2024; 196:107273. [PMID: 38373535 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
With over 100 million humanitarian migrants globally, there is increasing pressure on high-income countries to offer resettlement opportunities. Humanitarian migrants face many challenges during pre-settlement and resettlement. One challenge is food insecurity (FI). The Building a New Life in Australia (BNLA) longitudinal cohort study gathered data from migrating units, that is, a group of humanitarian migrants included on the same visa application (n = 1599). Data were gathered in five annual waves (2013-2018). Data included food security status in four pre-settlement situations and during resettlement. The results of this secondary analysis of BNLA Wave One indicate that FI was highest in refugee camps (71%), followed by bridging visas (30%), community detention (17%), immigration detention (11%), and during early resettlement (9%). During early resettlement, respondents who were male, those from Afghanistan or Iran, and those living in a single person household reported the highest prevalence of FI. An association was found between having spent time on a bridging visa and FI during early resettlement (p < 0.01). This study's results are an important step in understanding the scale of FI and which sub-groups are most vulnerable, so the resources and policies of high-income countries can better meet food security needs during resettlement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Maree Wood
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, Australia; Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Australia.
| | - Rebecca M Leech
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, Australia
| | - Claire Margerison
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, Australia
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2
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Ziersch A, Walsh M, Due C. Housing and health for people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds: findings from an Australian qualitative longitudinal study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1138. [PMID: 38654272 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18616-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For people from asylum-seeking and refugee backgrounds, housing and the re-establishment of home are key social determinants of health. Research highlights the inequities faced by asylum seekers and refugees in the housing markets of high-income resettlement countries, resulting in their overrepresentation in precarious housing. There is also emerging evidence of the relationship between housing and health for this population relating to lack of affordability, insecurity of tenure, and poor suitability (physical and social). The mechanisms by which housing impacts health for this group within these housing contexts, is however, understudied - especially overtime. This qualitative longitudinal study aimed to address this gap. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 people from asylum-seeking and refugee backgrounds in South Australia, recruited through a community survey. Thematic analysis of interview data across three time points over three years identified four material and psychosocial mechanisms through which housing contributed to health outcomes via psychological and physical stressors - physical environment; stability; safety; and social connections, support and services. The study also identified additional health promoting resources, particularly elements of ontological security. The dynamics of these indirect and direct mechanisms were further illuminated by considering the impact of international, national and local contexts and a range of intersecting social factors including gender, country/culture of origin, family circumstances, immigration status, language skills, income, and health status. CONCLUSIONS Rebuilding a sense of home and ontological security is a key resettlement priority and crucial for wellbeing. More comprehensive strategies to facilitate this for refugees and asylum seekers are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ziersch
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Moira Walsh
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Clemence Due
- Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
- School of Psychology; University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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3
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McKeon G, Curtis J, Rostami R, Sroba M, Farello A, Morell R, Steel Z, Harris M, Silove D, Parmenter B, Matthews E, Jamaluddin J, Rosenbaum S. Co-designing a Physical Activity Service for Refugees and Asylum Seekers Using an Experience-Based Co-design Framework. J Immigr Minor Health 2024:10.1007/s10903-024-01587-5. [PMID: 38605213 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-024-01587-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
People from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds resettling in Australia often experience intersecting risks for poor mental and physical health. Physical activity can promote better health outcomes, however there are limited programs tailored for this population. Therefore, understanding how to support refugees and asylum seekers to engage in physical activity is crucial. This paper aims to describe how the experience-based co-design (EBCD) process was used to identify priorities for a new physical activity service for refugees and asylum seekers. Using an EBCD framework we conducted qualitative interviews and co-design workshops with service users (refugees and asylum seekers living in the community) and service providers at a community Centre in Sydney, Australia. Sixteen participants, including eight service users and eight service providers engaged in the EBCD process over 12-months. The interviews revealed common themes or 'touchpoints' including barriers and enablers to physical activity participation such as access, safety and competing stressors. Subsequent co-design focus groups resulted in the establishment of five fundamental priorities and actionable strategies; ensuring cultural and psychological safety, promoting accessibility, facilitating support to access basic needs, enhancing physical activity literacy and fostering social connection. Using EBCD methodology, this study used the insights and lived experiences of both service users and providers to co-design a physical activity service for refugees and asylum seekers which is safe, supportive, social and accessible. The results of the implementation and evaluation of the program are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace McKeon
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Jackie Curtis
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Mindgardens Neuroscience Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Reza Rostami
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Monika Sroba
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Rachel Morell
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Mindgardens Neuroscience Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Zachary Steel
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- St. John of God Health Care North Richmond Hospital, North Richmond, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark Harris
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Derrick Silove
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Belinda Parmenter
- School of Health Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Evan Matthews
- Centre for Health Behaviour Research South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland
| | | | - Simon Rosenbaum
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Essex R, Dudley M. Resistance and the delivery of healthcare in Australian immigration detention centres. Monash Bioeth Rev 2023; 41:82-95. [PMID: 37812375 PMCID: PMC10754717 DOI: 10.1007/s40592-023-00182-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
There are few issues that have been as vexing for the Australian healthcare community as the Australian governments policy of mandatory, indefinite, immigration detention. While many concepts have been used to begin to describe the many dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals and their resolution, they are limited, perhaps most fundamentally by the fact that immigration detention is antithetical to health and wellbeing. Furthermore, and while most advice recognises that the abolition of detention is the only option in overcoming these issues, it provides little guidance on how action within detention could contribute to this. Drawing on the work of political theorists and the broader sociological literature, we will introduce and apply a form of action that has not yet been considered for healthcare workers within detention, resistance. We will draw on several examples from the literature to show how everyday resistance could be enacted in healthcare and immigration detention settings. We argue that the concept of resistance has several conceptual and practical advantages over much existing guidance for healthcare workers in these environments, namely that it politicises care and has synergies with other efforts aimed at the abolition of detention. We also offer some reflections on the justifiability of such action, arguing that it is largely consistent with the existing guidance produced by all major healthcare bodies in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Essex
- Institute for Lifecourse Development, University of Greenwich, Old Royal Naval College, Park RowLondon, London, SE10 9LS, UK.
| | - Michael Dudley
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, High St, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
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Rowe A, Bhardwaj M, McCauley M. Maternal multimorbidity - experiences of women seeking asylum during pregnancy and after childbirth: a qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:789. [PMID: 37957595 PMCID: PMC10641960 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06054-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many women seeking asylum during pregnancy and after childbirth have ill-health but detection and assessment of all physical, psychological, and social health needs (maternal multimorbidity) are often difficult as part of routine maternity care. Healthcare providers are key for the early identification and management of vulnerable pregnant women who have additional physical, psychological, and social health needs. We sought to explore the impact of the asylum-seeking process, understanding of wellbeing, expressed health needs (in terms of maternal multimorbidity), and the experiences of maternity care of women seeking asylum during pregnancy and after childbirth in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Enabling factors and barriers to access woman-centred care were also explored. METHODS Key informant interviews (n = 10) and one focus group discussion (n = 4) were conducted with women attending a non-profit charitable pregnancy support group. Transcribed interviews were coded by topic and then grouped into categories. Thematic framework analysis was undertaken to identify emerging themes. RESULTS The asylum-seeking process negatively impacted women making them feel anxious and depressed with little control or choice over their future. Women reported feeling stressed regarding poor standard of accommodation, low income, dispersal and the uncertainty of their asylum application outcome. Wellbeing during pregnancy and after childbirth was understood to be multifactorial and women understood that their physical health needs were interlinked and negatively impacted by complex psychological and social factors. Women reported that their expectations of maternity services were often exceeded, but information giving, and the use of language interpreters needed to be improved. Women expressed the need for more psychological and social support throughout pregnancy and after childbirth. CONCLUSIONS A multidisciplinary team, with links and effective referral pathways to maternal mental health and social services, are necessary for women seeking asylum, to ensure a more integrated, comprehensive assessment of maternal multimorbidity and to provide maternity care in a way that meets all health needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rowe
- Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Crown Street, Liverpool, L8 7SS, United Kingdom.
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - Minakshi Bhardwaj
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- College of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Care, University of West London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mary McCauley
- Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Crown Street, Liverpool, L8 7SS, United Kingdom
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Ponomarenko M, Kaifie A. Oral health, stress and barriers accessing dental health care among war-affected Ukrainian refugees in Germany. BMC Oral Health 2023; 23:804. [PMID: 37891540 PMCID: PMC10612176 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03513-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND After Russian invasion many Ukrainians fled to European countries including Germany. In this context, the German health care system faced challenges delivering dental care to a displaced population. Recently surfaced obstacles as well as different cultural and medical traits need to be considered in order to deliver appropriate medical care. The aim of this study was to evaluate oral health and hygiene of Ukrainian refugees, identify barriers accessing dental health care and explore the relation to their mental health state. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-assessment questionnaire, distributed via non-probability snowball sampling method among war-affected Ukrainians, who fled to Germany. The online form was distributed via web-based platforms, the printed version was hand-delivered across diverse local venues. Chi-Square Tests, T-Tests and Mann-Whitney-U Tests were performed. Analysis of variance and Spearman correlation coefficient analysis were also conducted. RESULTS From 819 completed questionnaires, 724 questionnaires were included in the analysis with 78 males (10.8%) and 640 females (88.6%) and a mean age of 37.5 years (SD = 10.5). The majority of participants rated their state of teeth (77%) and gums (81%) as average or better. The main problems, caused by state of their teeth, were: "Have avoided smiling because of teeth" (23.6%) or "Felt embarrassed due to appearance of teeth" (22.2%). The most frequent limiting factors to access dental care were finances (82.6%), language (82.2%) and complicated health care system (74.1%). 45.8% of the participants scored 10 or more in the Patient Health Questionnaire and 37.4% in the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale, respectively. These participants were more likely to report pain, poor state of teeth and gums and to fail a dental consultation. Overall, 59.6% participants reported not consulting a dentist, when needed. Failed consultations were associated with a poorer reported state of teeth and gums. CONCLUSIONS Ukrainian refugees reported barriers accessing dental health care in Germany. It is important to improve oral health literacy and dental services for displaced people and provide help and guidance in seeking dental care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Ponomarenko
- Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 72074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andrea Kaifie
- Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 72074, Aachen, Germany.
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7
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Dickson K, Aboltins C, Pelly J, Jessup RL. Effective communication of COVID-19 vaccine information to recently-arrived culturally and linguistically diverse communities from the perspective of community engagement and partnership organisations: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:877. [PMID: 37605184 PMCID: PMC10440864 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09836-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many high-income countries, COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities. Barriers to engaging with essential health messaging has contributed to difficulties in following public health advice and exacerbated existing inequity in Australia. Research suggests that recently-arrived CALD populations are particularly vulnerable to misinformation and are more likely to experience vaccine hesitancy. The aim of this study was to explore the barriers and enablers to COVID-19 vaccination among recently-arrived CALD communities in Melbourne's outer north and identify strategies to reduce hesitancy in this population. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives from community organisations working with recently-arrived CALD communities in Melbourne's north. This included a mix of peer (from the community) and health care workers. RESULTS Fifteen participants from community organisations participated in interviews. Thematic analysis identified four themes; (1) trusted sources, (2) accurate and culturally sensitive information, (3) supported pathways and (4) enablers to vaccination. CONCLUSIONS Participants reported a perceived lack of accurate, culturally sensitive health information and service provision as key barriers to vaccination in recently-arrived CALD communities. Participants identified a range of perceived enablers to increasing vaccination uptake in the communities they work with, including utilising established channels of communication and harnessing the communities' strong sense of collective responsibility. Specific strategies to reduce vaccine hesitancy included identifying and utilising trusted sources (e.g. faith leaders) to disseminate information, tailoring health messages to address cultural differences, providing opportunities to contextualise information, and modifying service delivery to enhance cultural sensitivity. There is an urgent need for increased efforts from health and government agencies to build sustainable, collaborative relationships with CALD communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Dickson
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Craig Aboltins
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Northern Health, Epping, VIC, 3076, Australia
- Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Medical Education, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Janet Pelly
- Northern Health, Epping, VIC, 3076, Australia
| | - Rebecca Leigh Jessup
- Director of Research and Evaluation, Staying Well. Northern Health, Epping, VIC, 3076, Australia.
- Adjunct Research Fellow, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Tobe University, Bundoora, Australia.
- Adjunct Research Fellow, School of Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, Australia.
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8
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Lotito C, Turrini G, Purgato M, Bryant RA, Felez-Nobrega M, Haro JM, Lorant V, McDaid D, Mediavilla R, Melchior M, Nicaise P, Nosè M, Park AL, McGreevy KR, Roos R, Tortelli A, Underhill J, Martinez JV, Witteveen A, Sijbrandij M, Barbui C. Views and experiences of migrants and stakeholders involved in social and health care for migrants in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:164. [PMID: 37208725 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01208-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has had major and potentially long-lasting effects on mental health and wellbeing across populations worldwide. However, these impacts were not felt equally, leading to an exacerbation of health inequalities, especially affecting vulnerable populations such as migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Aiming to inform the adaptation and implementation of psychological intervention programmes, the present study investigated priority mental health needs in this population group. METHODS Participants were adult asylum seekers, refugees and migrants (ARMs) and stakeholders with experience in the field of migration living in Verona, Italy, and fluent in Italian and English. A two-stage process was carried out to examine their needs using qualitative methods including free listing interviews and focus group discussions, according to Module One of the DIME (Design, Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation) manual. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analyses approach. RESULTS A total of 19 participants (12 stakeholders, 7 ARMs) completed the free listing interviews and 20 participants (12 stakeholders and 8 ARMs) attended focus group discussions. Salient problems and functions that emerged during free listing interviews were discussed during the focus group discussions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ARMs struggled with many everyday living difficulties in their resettlement country due to social and economic issues, revealing a strong influence of contextual factors in determining mental health. Both ARMs and stakeholders highlighted a mismatch between needs, expectations and interventions as factors that may hamper proper implementation of health and social programmes. CONCLUSIONS The present findings could help in the adaptation and implementation of psychological interventions targeting the needs of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants aiming to find a match between needs, expectations, and the corresponding interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registration number 2021-UNVRCLE-0106707, February 11 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Lotito
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giulia Turrini
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Marianna Purgato
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Richard A Bryant
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mireia Felez-Nobrega
- Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep Maria Haro
- Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Vincent Lorant
- Institute of Health and Society (IRSS), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David McDaid
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Roberto Mediavilla
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigaci?n Biom?dica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Melchior
- Département d'Epidémiologie Sociale, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, 27 rue de Chaligny, Paris, 75012, France
| | - Pablo Nicaise
- Institute of Health and Society (IRSS), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michela Nosè
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - A-La Park
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Kerry R McGreevy
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigaci?n Biom?dica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rinske Roos
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Institute and WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Tortelli
- Département d'Epidémiologie Sociale, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, 27 rue de Chaligny, Paris, 75012, France
| | | | - Julian Vadell Martinez
- Département d'Epidémiologie Sociale, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, 27 rue de Chaligny, Paris, 75012, France
| | - Anke Witteveen
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Institute and WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Institute and WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Corrado Barbui
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Crawford E, Barlott T, Begg H, Mitchelson K, Teo A, Turpin M. Occupational multi-level responsiveness: Describing the skills used by occupational therapists working with children seeking asylum in Australia. Scand J Occup Ther 2023; 30:357-373. [PMID: 35635076 DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2022.2072384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children seeking asylum face occupational deprivation and human rights violations. No research has investigated how occupational therapists work with child asylum seekers. The World Federation of Occupational Therapists promotes the Canadian Model of Client-Centred Enablement (CMCE) for occupational therapists working to promote human rights. AIMS/OBJECTIVES This research investigates use of CMCE skills to investigate skills occupational therapists use when working with child asylum seekers in Australian immigration detention. MATERIAL AND METHODS Interpretive description guided this investigation and purposive sampling was used to recruit 10 occupational therapists. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematically analysed. RESULTS Occupational multi-level responsiveness, an overarching practice skill, involved keying into individual, family and socio-political levels to respond to occupational injustices. A wide array of practice skills extending beyond the CMCE framework were used in a nuanced and interwoven manner spanning multiple levels. CONCLUSIONS Occupational multi-level responsiveness described occupational therapists working across macro-, meso- and micro-levels. SIGNIFICANCE Understanding and enacting occupational multi-level responsiveness may support occupational therapists to plan and implement effective strategies when tackling occupational injustices. The skills identified may be applicable to other complex socio-political fields of practice. More research is needed. Further research should also investigate the occupational experiences of children seeking asylum. KEY POINTSOccupational therapists working with child asylum seekers in Australia take a multi-level approach, responding to individuals, families and socio-political structures.A three pronged approach to implementation of the occupational therapy practice process could support multi-level responsiveness to enhance practice that addresses occupational injustices.CMCE skills are not exhaustive and therapists discussed using other skills beyond those listed in the CMCE. Additional skills reflected humility and efforts towards more equal relationships between therapists and clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Crawford
- School of Rehabilitation and Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tim Barlott
- School of Rehabilitation and Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Hannah Begg
- School of Rehabilitation and Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kelly Mitchelson
- School of Rehabilitation and Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Amos Teo
- School of Rehabilitation and Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Merrill Turpin
- School of Rehabilitation and Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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10
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Ziersch A, Due C, Walsh M. Housing in Place: Housing, Neighbourhood and Resettlement for People from Refugee and Asylum Seeker Backgrounds in Australia. J Int Migr Integr 2023; 24:1-24. [PMID: 36855611 PMCID: PMC9950696 DOI: 10.1007/s12134-023-01008-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Housing is an important part of building a new life for people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. However, relatively little is known about how housing and neighbourhood experiences affect resettlement and integration. This paper explored experiences of housing and neighbourhood for refugees and asylum seekers in South Australia, Australia. A survey was completed by 423 participants, recruited through service providers, community networks and snowball sampling. Data was analysed using frequencies, chi-square analyses and multivariate logistic regression. The study identified aspects of housing and neighbourhood that were important to participants, as well as highlighting key problems. Housing satisfaction and neighbourhood satisfaction were positively associated, but housing satisfaction was lower than neighbourhood satisfaction. Both were significantly associated with overall satisfaction with life in Australia, although only neighbourhood satisfaction remained significant in the final multivariate model (alongside region of origin, visa and financial situation). Overall, the findings suggest that where housing is situated may be more important for resettlement satisfaction and integration than the housing itself. Policy and practice implications of the findings are discussed, alongside considerations for conceptualising integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ziersch
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Clemence Due
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Moira Walsh
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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Morisod K, Grazioli VS, Schlüter V, Bochud M, Gonseth Nusslé S, D'Acremont V, Bühler N, Bodenmann P. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated risk factors among asylum seekers living in asylum centres: A cross-sectional serologic study in Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. J Migr Health 2023; 7:100175. [PMID: 36938329 PMCID: PMC10005972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2023.100175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding the factors influencing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in asylum seekers and refugees living in centres is crucial to determine targeted public health policies protecting these populations fairly and efficiently. In response, this study was designed to explore the pandemic's spread into asylum centres during the first wave of the pandemic in Switzerland. Specifically, it aimed to identify the risk factors associated with a positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence test after the first semi-confinement period (16 March to 27 April 2020) amongst asylum seekers and refugees living in centres. Methods This research is part of SérocoVID, a seroepidemiologic study of SARS-CoV-2 infection conducted in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Migrants living in two asylum centres, one known to have had an epidemic outbreak, were invited to participate in this study. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA antibodies targeting the spike viral protein were measured in all participants using a Luminex immunoassay. Each participant also completed a questionnaire measuring socio-demographic characteristics, medical history (comorbidities, smoking status, BMI, flu-like symptoms), health literacy, public health recommendations (wearing a masque in a public area, social distancing and hands cleaning), behaviours and exposures (daily life activities, number of contacts weekly). The association of these independent variables with the serologic test result were estimated using a multivariable logistic regression model. Findings A total of 124 participants from the two asylum centres took part in the study (Centre 1, n = 82; Centre 2, n = 42). The mean participation rate was 36.7%. The seroprevalence in Centres 1 and 2 were 13% [95% CI 0.03, 0.14] and 50% [0.34, 0.65], respectively. Next, 40.63% of SARS-CoV-2 positive people never developed symptoms (asymptomatic cases), and no one had severe forms of the Covid-19 disease requiring hospitalisation. Participants report high compliance with public health measures, especially hygiene rules (96.3% of positive answers) and social distancing (88.7%). However, only 11.3% said they always wore a masque in public. After adjusting for individual characteristics, infection risk was lower amongst people with high health literacy (aOR 0.16, p = 0.007 [0.04, 0.60]) and smokers (aOR 0.20, p = 0.013 [0.06, 0.69]). Conclusion Despite the lack of severe complications of Covid-19 disease in this study, findings suggest that developing targeted public health measures, especially for the low health literacy population, would be necessary to limit the risk of outbreaks in asylum centres and improve this population's safety. Further investigations and qualitative approach are required to understand more finely how living conditions, risks and behaviours such as tobacco consumption, and the adoption of protective measures impact SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Morisod
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Rue du Bugnon 44, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
- Chair of Medicine for Vulnerable Populations, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
- Corresponding author at: Chemin de Chantemerle 10, 1010 Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland.
| | - Véronique S. Grazioli
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Rue du Bugnon 44, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
- Chair of Medicine for Vulnerable Populations, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
| | - Virginie Schlüter
- Department of Training, Research and Innovation, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Route de Berne 113, Lausanne, Vaud 1010 Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
| | - Murielle Bochud
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Health systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Route de la Corniche 10, Lausanne, Vaud 1010, Switzerland
| | - Semira Gonseth Nusslé
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Health systems, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Route de la Corniche 10, Lausanne, Vaud 1010, Switzerland
| | - Valérie D'Acremont
- Department of Training, Research and Innovation, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Route de Berne 113, Lausanne, Vaud 1010 Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
| | - Nolwenn Bühler
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Rue du Bugnon 44, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Bodenmann
- Department of Vulnerabilities and Social Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Rue du Bugnon 44, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
- Chair of Medicine for Vulnerable Populations, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 21, Lausanne, Vaud 1011, Switzerland
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Magwood O, Bellai-Dussault K, Fox G, McCutcheon C, Adams O, Saad A, Kassam A. Diagnostic test accuracy of screening tools for post-traumatic stress disorder among refugees and asylum seekers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Migr Health 2022; 7:100144. [PMID: 36568829 PMCID: PMC9772565 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2022.100144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Refugees and asylum seekers often experience traumatic events resulting in a high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Undiagnosed PTSD can have detrimental effects on resettlement outcomes. Immigration medical exams provide an opportunity to screen for mental health conditions in refugee and asylum seeker populations and provide links to timely mental health care. Objective To assess the diagnostic accuracy of screening tools for PTSD in refugee and asylum seeker populations. Methods We systematically searched Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CENTRAL and CINAHL up to 29 September 2022. We included cohort-selection or cross-sectional study designs that assessed PTSD screening tools in refugee or asylum seeker populations of all ages. All reference standards were eligible for inclusion, with a clinical interview considered the gold standard. We selected studies and extracted diagnostic test accuracy data in duplicate. Risk of bias and applicability concerns were addressed using QUADAS-2. We meta-analyzed findings using a bivariate random-effects model. We partnered with a patient representative and a clinical psychiatrist to inform review development and conduct. Results Our review includes 28 studies (4,373 participants) capturing 16 different screening tools. Nine of the 16 tools were developed specifically for refugee populations. Most studies assessed PTSD in adult populations, but three included studies focused on detecting PTSD in children. Nine studies looked at the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) with diagnostic cut-off points ranging from 1.17 to 2.5. Meta-analyses revealed a summary point sensitivity of 86.6% (95%CI 0.791; 0.917) and specificity of 78.9% (95%CI 0.639; 0.888) for these studies. After evaluation, we found it appropriate to pool other screening tools (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, the Impact of Event Scale, and the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale) with the HTQ. The area under the curve for this model was 79.4%, with a pooled sensitivity of 86.2% (95%CI 0.759; 0.925) and a specificity of 72.2% (95%CI 0.616; 0.808). Conclusions Our review identified several screening tools that perform well among refugees and asylum seekers, but no single tool was identified as being superior. The Refugee Health Screener holds promise as a practical instrument for use in immigration medical examinations because it supports the identification of PTSD, depression, and anxiety across diverse populations. Future research should consider tool characteristics beyond sensitivity and specificity to facilitate implementation in immigration medical exams. Registration Open Science Framework: 10.17605/OSF.IO/PHNJV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Magwood
- Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1, Canada,Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 125 University, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada,Corresponding author at: Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1, Canada.
| | - Kara Bellai-Dussault
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Grace Fox
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Chris McCutcheon
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 125 University, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Owen Adams
- Canadian Medical Association, 1410 Blair Towers Place, Suite 500, Ottawa, ON K1J 9B9, Canada
| | - Ammar Saad
- Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 6M1, Canada,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, 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
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13
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Abstract
Convincing international evidence demonstrates that immigration detention adversely affects mental health. During the COVID-19 outbreak, additional concerns were raised about the safety and appropriateness of immigration detention. Consequently, several hundred migrants were released en masse from UK immigration detention centres, and few new detentions took place. Over 70% fewer migrants were held in detention centres in June 2020 compared with December 2019. This large 'natural experiment' has demonstrated that detaining fewer migrants is possible and it provides an opportunity to review the necessity for large-scale detention for the purpose of immigration control, as well as its impact on health inequalities. Additionally, given that detainee release arrangements had already been considered unsafe prior to the pandemic, clinicians and service providers should take into consideration that many of those released may not be receiving adequate post-release continuity of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Z Waterman
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,King's College London, UK.,North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group, UK.,Royal College of Psychiatrists Working Group on the Health of Refugees and Asylum Seekers, London, UK
| | - Mishka Pillay
- Royal College of Psychiatrists Working Group on the Health of Refugees and Asylum Seekers, London, UK.,One Strong Voice, London, UK.,Freedom from Torture, London, UK
| | - Cornelius Katona
- Royal College of Psychiatrists Working Group on the Health of Refugees and Asylum Seekers, London, UK.,Helen Bamber Foundation, University College London, UK
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14
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Lai H, Due C, Ziersch A. The relationship between employment and health for people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds: A systematic review of quantitative studies. SSM Popul Health 2022; 18:101075. [PMID: 35601219 PMCID: PMC9118911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For the general population, the positive effects of paid employment on health and wellbeing are well established. However, less is known for people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds. This review aims to systematically summarise the quantitative literature on the relationship between employment and health and wellbeing for refugees and asylum seekers. Method A search strategy was conducted in online databases, including MEDLINE, PsychINFO, EMCARE, SCOPUS, CINHAL, ProQuest and Web of Science. Articles were screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies published in English between 2000 to October 2021 were included if they used quantitative methods to consider the relationship between employment and health for refugees and asylum seekers in resettlement countries. Study quality was assessed using The Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Tools. Findings were synthesised using a narrative approach. Results Seventy-two papers were identified. The majority of papers (N = 58, 81%) examined the association between employment and mental health outcomes. Overall, while there were inconsistencies in the findings, employment had a positive effect on mental health particularly in reducing levels of psychological distress and depression. Though more limited in number, the papers examining physical health suggest that people who are employed tend to have better physical health than unemployed persons. There was some evidence to support the bi-directional relationship between employment and health. Poor mental and physical health negatively impacted the odds of employment and occupational status of refugees. Conclusion Good quality employment is an essential component of refugee resettlement and this review found that in general employment is also beneficial for refugee health, particularly aspects of mental health. More research regarding the effects of employment on physical health is required. The effects of refugee-specific factors such as gender roles, torture, and trauma on the relationship between employment and health also require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huyen Lai
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Australia
| | - Clemence Due
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Australia
- School of Psychology, Adelaide University, Australia
| | - Anna Ziersch
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Australia
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15
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Ingram J, Lyford B, McAtamney A, Fitzpatrick S. Preventing suicide in refugees and asylum seekers: a rapid literature review examining the role of suicide prevention training for health and support staff. Int J Ment Health Syst 2022; 16:24. [PMID: 35562790 PMCID: PMC9107234 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-022-00534-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Refugees and asylum seekers are exposed to a unique set of circumstances and experiences that are associated with an increased suicide risk. Suicide prevention training has been recognised as a central component supporting a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention. Limited literature exists exploring the role of suicide prevention training for health and support staff working with refugee and asylum seeker consumers. Methods To determine the impact suicide prevention training for health staff may have in supporting refugee and asylum seeker suicide prevention, researchers undertook a rapid literature review exploring what elements should be considered when developing suicide prevention training for health and support staff working with refugee and asylum seeker consumers. Results Results of academic and grey literature screening identified 14 studies exploring suicide prevention training for health and support staff working with refugee and asylum seeker consumers. Findings of the literature review suggest suicide prevention training for health and support staff working with refugee and asylum seekers should consider the inclusion of content which increases participant competence and confidence to identify and respond to suicide risk; provide staff with an understanding of cultural differences and its impact on refugees and asylum seekers recognition of mental health and suicide as a health matter; highlight the importance trauma informed practices in care and consider the lived experience of refugees and asylum seekers. Conclusions Inclusion of specific content in refugee and asylum seeker suicide prevention training may provide health and support staff increased competence and confidence to identify and respond to suicide risk in refugees and asylum seekers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bronte Lyford
- Everymind, 72 Watt St, Newcastle, NSW, 2300, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, NSW, 2308, Callaghan, Australia
| | | | - Sally Fitzpatrick
- Everymind, 72 Watt St, Newcastle, NSW, 2300, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, NSW, 2308, Callaghan, Australia
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16
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Troya M, Spittal MJ, Pendrous R, Crowley G, Gorton HC, Russell K, Byrne S, Musgrove R, Hannah-Swain S, Kapur N, Knipe D. Suicide rates amongst individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds: A systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 47:101399. [PMID: 35518122 PMCID: PMC9065636 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing evidence suggests that some individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds are at increased risk of suicide compared to their majority ethnic counterparts, whereas others are at decreased risk. We aimed to estimate the absolute and relative risk of suicide in individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds globally. METHODS Databases (Medline, Embase, and PsycInfo) were searched for epidemiological studies between 01/01/2000 and 3/07/2020, which provided data on absolute and relative rates of suicide amongst ethnic minority groups. Studies reporting on clinical or specific populations were excluded. Pairs of reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. We used random effects meta-analysis to estimate overall, sex, location, migrant status, and ancestral origin, stratified pooled estimates for absolute and rate ratios. PROSPERO registration: CRD42020197940. FINDINGS A total of 128 studies were included with 6,026,103 suicide deaths in individuals from an ethnic minority background across 31 countries. Using data from 42 moderate-high quality studies, we estimated a pooled suicide rate of 12·1 per 100,000 (95% CIs 8·4-17·6) in people from ethnic minority backgrounds with a broad range of estimates (1·2-139·7 per 100,000). There was weak statistical evidence from 51 moderate-high quality studies that individuals from ethnic minority groups were more likely to die by suicide (RR 1·3 95% CIs 0·9-1·7) with again a broad range amongst studies (RR 0·2-18·5). In our sub-group analysis we only found evidence of elevated risk for indigenous populations (RR: 2·8 95% CIs 1·9-4·0; pooled rate: 23·2 per 100,000 95% CIs 14·7-36·6). There was very substantial heterogeneity (I2 > 98%) between studies for all pooled estimates. INTERPRETATION The homogeneous grouping of individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds is inappropriate. To support suicide prevention in marginalised groups, further exploration of important contextual differences in risk is required. It is possible that some ethnic minority groups (for example those from indigenous backgrounds) have higher rates of suicide than majority populations. FUNDING No specific funding was provided to conduct this research. DK is funded by Wellcome Trust and Elizabeth Blackwell Institute Bristol. Matthew Spittal is a recipient of an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship (project number FT180100075) funded by the Australian Government. Rebecca Musgrove is funded by the NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre (PSTRC-2016-003).
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Affiliation(s)
- M.Isabela Troya
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, 4.07 Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, 4.28 Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
| | - Matthew J. Spittal
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Grace Crowley
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Hayley C Gorton
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Kirsten Russell
- School of Psychological Sciences and Health, Graham Hills Building, 40 George Street, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sadhbh Byrne
- Trinity Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rebecca Musgrove
- Centre for Mental Health and Safety, National Institute for Health Research Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Navneet Kapur
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Centre for Mental Health and Safety, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Duleeka Knipe
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Corresponding author.
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17
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Creutz I, Busche T, Layer F, Bednarz H, Kalinowski J, Niehaus K. Evaluation of virulence potential of methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from a German refugee cohort. Travel Med Infect Dis 2021; 45:102204. [PMID: 34785377 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2021.102204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) seem to be highly transmissible, often infect otherwise healthy humans and frequently occur in hospital outbreaks. METHODS Refugees, living in accommodations in Germany were screened for nasal carriage of S. aureus. The isolates were investigated regarding resistance and virulence, phenotypically and by whole genome data analysis. RESULTS 5.6% (9/161) of the refugees are carriers of S. aureus. 2.5% (4/161) are MRSA carriers. Among the refugees, spa-types t021, t084, t304, t991 and t4983 were detected, as well as the new spa-types t18794 and t18795. t304 and t991 are assumed to be local spa-types from the middle east. The isolates are less resistant and marginal biofilm formers. Each isolate has a remarkable set of virulence genes, although genes, encoding for proteins strongly associated with invasive S. aureus infections, like Panton-Valentine leucocidin, were not detected. CONCLUSION The detection of strains from the middle east, supports the assumption that strains co-travel with the refugees and persist despite a transition of the host's living conditions. Whole genome data analysis does not permit to finally evaluate a germ's virulence. Nevertheless, an impression of the virulence potential of the strains, regarding skills in colonization, resistance, immune evasion, and host cell damaging can be pictured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Creutz
- Proteome and Metabolome Research, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany; FlüGe Graduate School, School of Public Heath, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Tobias Busche
- Technology Platform Genomics, CeBiTec, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Franziska Layer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, National Reference Centre for Staphylococci and Enterococci, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany.
| | - Hanna Bednarz
- Proteome and Metabolome Research, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Jörn Kalinowski
- Technology Platform Genomics, CeBiTec, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Karsten Niehaus
- Proteome and Metabolome Research, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.
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18
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Aro T, Kantele A. Hospital admissions of refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants: Ten-year retrospective study. Travel Med Infect Dis 2021; 44:102186. [PMID: 34688889 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2021.102186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The worldwide population of forcibly displaced people has increased over the past decade, approaching 80 million and encompassing more than 30 million refugees and asylum seekers. Research into refugee and migrant health has remained scarce, however. METHODS To investigate the reasons for hospital admissions of refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants, we collected medical data from Helsinki University Hospital (HUH) records 2010-20. RESULTS The study population consisted of 647 patients originally from 54 different countries, mainly Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. Among adults, 40.9% of the admissions were related to pregnancy. For minors, the group comprising congenital malformations, deformations, and chromosomal abnormalities accounted for most hospitalizations, followed by diseases of the digestive or nervous system. Every fifth patient (19.3%) was admitted because of an infection: adults mostly for urinary tract infection (16.3%), pneumonia (14.1%), and tuberculosis (9.8%), and minors for acute gastroenteritis (15.2%). Infectious reason was more frequent within two months after immigration than later. CONCLUSIONS Our data reveal a unique admission profile for forced migrants: in addition to infectious diseases, a particularly high rate of obstetric diagnoses was recorded, the two ranking as the most common reasons for hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuomas Aro
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland; Meilahti Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research Center, MeiVac, Inflammation Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland
| | - Anu Kantele
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland; Meilahti Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research Center, MeiVac, Inflammation Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland.
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19
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Zhang CX, Wurie F, Browne A, Haworth S, Burns R, Aldridge R, Zenner D, Tran A, Campos-Matos I. Social prescribing for migrants in the United Kingdom: A systematic review and call for evidence. J Migr Health 2021; 4:100067. [PMID: 34746902 PMCID: PMC8556515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2021.100067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The health needs of international migrants living in the United Kingdom (UK) extend beyond mainstream healthcare to services that address the wider determinants of health and wellbeing. Social prescribing, which links individuals to these wider services, is a key component of the UK National Health Service (NHS) strategy, yet little is known about social prescribing approaches and outcomes for international migrants. This review describes the evidence base on social prescribing for migrants in the UK. METHODS A systematic review was undertaken, which identified studies through a systematic search of 4 databases and 8 grey literature sources (January 2000 to June 2020) and a call for evidence on the UK government website (July to October 2020). Published and unpublished studies of evaluated social prescribing programmes in the UK were included where at least 1 participant was identified as a migrant. Screening, data extraction and quality appraisal were performed by one reviewer, with a second reviewer checking 20% of studies. A narrative synthesis was conducted. FINDINGS Of the 4544 records identified, 32 were included in this review. The overall body of evidence was low in quality. Social prescribing approaches for migrants in the UK varied widely between programmes. Link workers who delivered services to migrants often took on additional support roles and/or actively delivered parts of the prescribed activities themselves, which is outside of the scope of the typical link worker role. Evidence for improvements to health and wellbeing and changes in healthcare utilisation were largely anecdotal and lacked measures of effect. Improved self-esteem, confidence, empowerment and social connectivity were frequently described. Facilitators of successful implementation included provider responsiveness to migrants' preferences in relation to language, culture, gender and service delivery format. Barriers included limited funding and provider capability. CONCLUSIONS Social prescribing programmes should be tailored to the individual needs of migrants. Link workers also require appropriate training on how to support migrants to address the wider determinants of health. Robust evaluation built into future social prescribing programmes for migrants should include better data collection on participant demographics and measurement of outcomes using validated and culturally and linguistically appropriate tools. Future research is needed to explore reasons for link workers taking on additional responsibilities when providing services to migrants, and whether migrants' needs are better addressed through a single-function link worker role or transdisciplinary support roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire X. Zhang
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, 39 Victoria Street, London, United Kingdom SW1H 0EU
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, United Kingdom NW1 2DA
| | - Fatima Wurie
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, 39 Victoria Street, London, United Kingdom SW1H 0EU
- UK Health Security Agency, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, United Kingdom SE1 8UG
- Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom WC1E 7HB
| | - Annabel Browne
- UK Health Security Agency, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, United Kingdom SE1 8UG
| | - Steven Haworth
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, 39 Victoria Street, London, United Kingdom SW1H 0EU
- Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex, Essex, United Kingdom CO4 3SQ
| | - Rachel Burns
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, United Kingdom NW1 2DA
| | - Robert Aldridge
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, United Kingdom NW1 2DA
| | - Dominik Zenner
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom E1 4NS
| | - Anh Tran
- UK Health Security Agency, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, United Kingdom SE1 8UG
| | - Ines Campos-Matos
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, 39 Victoria Street, London, United Kingdom SW1H 0EU
- UK Health Security Agency, Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, United Kingdom SE1 8UG
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Nilsson H, Gustavsson C, Gottvall M, Saboonchi F. Physical activity, post-traumatic stress disorder, and exposure to torture among asylum seekers in Sweden: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:452. [PMID: 34530806 PMCID: PMC8444359 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03461-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Forced migrant populations have high rates of trauma-related ill health, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Physical activity (PA) is well-established as an effective stress reliever, while insufficient PA is associated with adverse effects on both mental and physical health. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of different levels of PA and its association with PTSD symptom severity, controlled for exposure to torture, among asylum seekers in Sweden. METHODS A cross-sectional survey study, with data from 455 asylum seekers, originating from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Somalia, and Syria, residing at large housing facilities across Sweden. Level of PA was assessed by the Exercise Vital Sign and categorized as; Inactive, Insufficient PA, and Sufficient PA. Prevalence estimates for proportions of different levels of PA were calculated. Analysis of variance were conducted to determine the association between levels of PA and PTSD symptom severity, measured by the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the contribution of PA on PTSD beyond sex, age, and exposure to torture. RESULTS About half of the participants (53.3, 95% CI: 48.6-58.1) met the recommendations for Sufficient PA. One third of the participants (33.3, 95% CI: 28.7-37.8) were insufficiently engaged in PA, and 13.4% (95% CI: 10.1-16.7) were inactive. There was a significant difference in PTSD symptom severity between groups of asylum seekers with different levels of PA (F(2, 316) = 23.15, p < .001). When controlling for sex, age, and exposure to torture, Sufficient PA was found to be associated with less PTSD symptom severity compared to both Insufficient PA (B = 0.297, SE = 0.086, p < .001) and Inactive (B = 0.789, SE = 0.104, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Insufficient PA was common among the asylum seekers and our findings suggest that more PA is highly associated with lower PTSD symptom severity. An increased focus on assessment and promotion of PA is justified and discussed as particularly pertinent considering the much extended time of asylum-seeking processes. The results support previous evidence of PA as a potentially important factor in the context of PTSD and forced migrants' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Nilsson
- Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University College, PO Box 1059, SE-141 21 Huddinge, Sweden
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- The Swedish Red Cross Treatment Center for Persons Affected by War and Torture, PO Box 166, SE-201 21 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Catharina Gustavsson
- Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University College, PO Box 1059, SE-141 21 Huddinge, Sweden
- Center for Clinical Research Dalarna, Uppsala University, Nissers väg 3, SE-791 82 Falun, Sweden
| | - Maria Gottvall
- Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University College, PO Box 1059, SE-141 21 Huddinge, Sweden
- Clinical Psychology in Health Care, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Saboonchi
- Department of Health Sciences, The Swedish Red Cross University College, PO Box 1059, SE-141 21 Huddinge, Sweden
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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Marwaha P, Ghanim A, Shankumar R. Risk indicators of dental caries among refugee patients attending a public dental service in Victoria. Aust Dent J 2021; 67:21-29. [PMID: 34499752 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the relationship between dental caries prevalence and the social risk factors of asylum seekers and refugees in Australia. METHODS An oral health interview and a clinical oral examination were carried out on 201 asylum seekers and refugees patients, aged 18-68, attending Monash Health Dental Services, Melbourne, Victoria. RESULTS Data illustrated that 82% of participants had at least one tooth with untreated decay. Tooth level analysis revealed that white spot lesions were most prevalent in age groups 18-29 and 30-39, with respective mean values of 4.45 ± 4.95 and 3.49 ± 4.74. Binary logistic regression models identified multiple social factors as a barrier to receiving dental care. These included, but were not limited to; medication intake, consumption of soft drinks and long waiting lists. These social factors in addition to oral health factors, such as white spot and hypomineralization lesions, were significant predisposing factors to the presence of cavitated carious lesions. CONCLUSIONS Multiple social and oral health risk factors were identified and significantly associated with dental caries among refugee and asylum seeker patients. Addressing these underlying risks is an integral component to reducing the prevalence of dental caries among this population group and improving their overall general and oral health.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Marwaha
- Monash Health Dental Services, Monash Health, Dandenong, Victoria, Australia
| | - A Ghanim
- Monash Health Dental Services, Monash Health, Dandenong, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - R Shankumar
- Monash Health Dental Services, Monash Health, Dandenong, Victoria, Australia
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Hallab A, Sen A. Epilepsy and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in forcibly displaced people: A scoping review. Seizure 2021; 92:128-148. [PMID: 34509907 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
With a growing number of forcibly displaced people (FDP) globally, the focus on their medical needs has necessarily increased. Studies about the prevalence and incidence of epilepsy and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in this population are, though, sparse. This Review highlights the importance of exploring and managing both conditions in these vulnerable people to promote global health. We performed an exhaustive review of 10 databases, as well as a manual search of relevant websites related to global health and refugee-related organizations. We analyzed data related to the prevalence and incidence of epilepsy and PNES; health visits; costs of medical care and challenges faced by healthcare workers in relation to FDP with these conditions. Fifty six papers met our inclusion criteria. Of these, 53 reported directly or indirectly on the prevalence of epilepsy and its costs in FDP. Two articles reported on the prevalence of PNES in forcibly displaced people. The reported prevalence of epilepsy in FDP varied from 0.2% to 39.13%, being highest in people with pre-existing neurological or psychiatric comorbidities. Only one study reported on the incidence of epilepsy in internally displaced children. Data from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) have identified a tendency to higher incidence of epilepsy in children following wars. While within displaced women without a history of sexual violence the rate of PNES was 16.7%, in FDP women with such a history the rate of PNES was 43.7% (p=0.02). The healthcare costs for epilepsy can be high, with recurrent health visits related to seizures being the most common cause of health encounters in refugee camps. Increasing awareness and further studies of multicultural aspects to improve shared understanding of seizure phenomenon in vulnerable displaced populations would seem crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Hallab
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section for personality disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin 12203, Germany; Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Arjune Sen
- Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom.
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Ciaramella M, Monacelli N, Cocimano LCE. Promotion of Resilience in Migrants: A Systematic Review of Study and Psychosocial Intervention. J Immigr Minor Health 2021; 24:1328-1344. [PMID: 34324124 PMCID: PMC9388436 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-021-01247-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to contribute to a better and more focused understanding of the link between the concept of resilience and psychosocial interventions in the migrant population. The research questions concerned the type of population involved, definition of resilience, methodological choices and which intervention programmes were targeted at migrants. In the 90 articles included, an heterogeneity in defining resilience or not well specified definition resulted. Different migratory experiences were not adequately considered in the selection of participants. Few resilience interventions on migrants were resulted. A lack of procedure’s descriptions that keep in account specific migrants’ life-experiences and efficacy’s measures were highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ciaramella
- Department of Letters, Arts, History and Society, University of Study of Parma, Via Kennedy, 6, 43125, Parma, PR, Italy.
| | - Nadia Monacelli
- Department of Economics and Business Sciences, University of Study of Parma, Parma, Italy
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24
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Ilenia B, Martina F, Valentina B, Pradella F, Carlo G, Francesca F, Vilma P. Tortures alleged by migrants in Italy: compatibility and other medicolegal challenges. Int J Legal Med 2021. [PMID: 34228193 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02646-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Illegal immigration to Europe is a well-known phenomenon whose numbers are being steadily increasing in recent years. Most of the immigrants in Italy come from war zones, and many of them submit an asylum application supported by the complaint to have been victims of persecutory acts in their home countries. Material and methods One hundred ninety-six medicolegal reports are analyzed considering the different country of origin, the type of the lesions claimed, tools used, evidenced effects, location of the perpetration of the physical abuses, and the possible motivation of the alleged torture. Results Greater than 80% of the assessed asylum seekers are over 18-year males coming from African countries. Fifty-eight percent of migrants were tortured or abused in countries of transit, 95% in Libya. Economic, familial, politic, and ethnic reasons prevail in some countries of origin, while tortures or abuses perpetrated in transit countries are mainly linked to forced labor and detention. In the 42.2% of cases, no physical evidence of tortures was detected. The Istanbul Protocol resulted to have been only partly applicable and about 40% of the medicolegal reports are “inconclusive” about the compatibility of physical evidence with the alleged tortures. Conclusions The medicolegal and forensic experts involved in torture and ill-treatment cases should seek specific education and training to lower the risks of underestimation and the rate of inconclusive reports. More extensive implementation of the Istanbul Protocol in daily practice should be pursued by the authorities in charge of asylum or protection releasement.
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25
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Krabbenborg N, Spijker R, Żakowicz AM, de Moraes M, Heijman T, de Coul EO. Community-based HIV testing in The Netherlands: experiences of lay providers and end users at a rapid HIV test checkpoint. AIDS Res Ther 2021; 18:34. [PMID: 34162401 PMCID: PMC8220118 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-021-00357-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF-Checkpoint) in The Netherlands offers rapid HIV testing for key populations by lay providers. We explored the experiences and needs of lay providers and end users of HIV testing at AHF-Checkpoint, taking into account the WHO 5C-(consent, confidentiality, counselling, correct-results, connection-to-care) criteria for HIV test services. METHODS Qualitative evaluation with 15 semi-structured interviews conducted during 2020 with ten lay providers and five gay or bisexual end users. Recorded interviews were thematically analysed, taking data triangulation into account. RESULTS Four domains were identified: (1) accessibility of HIV testing, (2) quality of test procedures, (3) bridging (transitional care), and (4) future strategies for service delivery. AHF-Checkpoint fills a gap for key populations including LGBTQ and refugees, who experience HIV testing barriers at sexual health centres or general practices. The level of trust between lay providers and end users was highly valued by end users. They appreciated the low threshold to test at no costs, and the absence of waiting lists or triaging. Needs expressed by lay providers included more preparedness for emotionally charged situations, and extra training to improve STI knowledge. End users expressed a need for a full STI test package. Of the 5Cs, consent, counselling, and correct results were realised but confidentiality was sometimes difficult to achieve at pop-up locations, and referral barriers for confirmation testing (connection-to-care) were occasionally experienced by lay providers during weekends. CONCLUSION AHF-Checkpoint was described as a convenient and easily accessible service by end users and lay providers. Of the WHO 5Cs, connection-to-care could be optimised to ensure HIV confirmation and STI testing through a liaison approach with professionals from the regular healthcare sector.
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Walker L, Bailey D, Churchill R, Peckham E. Remote data collection during COVID-19 restrictions: an example from a refugee and asylum-seeker participant group in the UK. Trials 2021; 22:117. [PMID: 33546716 PMCID: PMC7863031 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05058-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This article describes how one trial site of the Refugee Emergency: Defining and Implementing Novel Evidence-based psychosocial interventions (RE-DEFINE) study, designed to evaluate a Self Help+ intervention with Arabic-speaking refugees and asylum seekers currently living in the UK and experiencing stress, was adapted to accommodate social distancing rules and working from home during the COVID-19 restrictions. Digital divide, risk and safety management, acceptability of remote data collection and practical considerations are described. The adaptions to methods have practical implications for researchers looking for more flexible approaches in response to continuing restrictions resulting from COVID-19, and the authors believe that others could adopt such an approach. The need for a further acceptability study focusing on human and economic costs and benefits of telephone and video as an alternative to face-to-face data collection is indicated. TRIALS REGISTRATION: Refugee Emergency - Defining and Implementing Novel Evidence-based psychosocial interventions RE-DEFINE. (Trials registration numbers NCT03571347 , NCT03587896 ) https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030259 (2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Walker
- Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, University of York, Heslington, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Della Bailey
- York Mental Health Research Group, University of York, Heslington, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Rachel Churchill
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, Heslington, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Emily Peckham
- Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, University of York, Heslington, YO10 5DD, UK
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Bartlett R, Sarnyai Z, Momartin S, Ooi L, Schwab SG, Matosin N. Understanding the pathology of psychiatric disorders in refugees. Psychiatry Res 2021; 296:113661. [PMID: 33373807 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Displacement of people from their homes, families and countries is a current global crisis, with over 70 million people forcibly on the move. A substantial proportion of these people will end up in regions with a different language and culture, where they are registered as refugees or asylum seekers. Due to the underlying reasons for displacement (including conflicts, persecution or violation of human rights), displaced people are severely stress-exposed, which continues into their post-migration life and increases risk for developing psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and other anxiety disorders and mood disorders. While landmark studies have illustrated the increased prevalence of psychopathology in asylum seeker and refugee populations following pre-/post-displacement stress, few studies add to our understanding of the basic biological mechanisms underpinning risk to psychiatric disorders in these populations. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying resilience despite significant adversity remain unclear. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning the development of psychiatric disorders in refugees can propel treatments (both drug and non-drug) that are capable of influencing biology at the molecular level, and the design of interventions. In the following review, we summarise the status quo of research investigating the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders in refugees, and propose new ways to address gaps in knowledge with multidisciplinary research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Bartlett
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Zoltan Sarnyai
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Centre for Molecular Discovery, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Shakeh Momartin
- NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS), 152-168 The Horsley Drive, Carramar, NSW 2163, Australia
| | - Lezanne Ooi
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Sibylle G Schwab
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Natalie Matosin
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstrasse 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany.
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28
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Frank GD, Fox D, Njue C, Dawson A. The maternity experiences of women seeking asylum in high-income countries: a meta-ethnography. Women Birth 2021; 34:531-539. [PMID: 33414082 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM The maternity care experiences and perinatal outcomes of women seeking asylum in high-income countries (HICs) are poorer than the general population of pregnant women in that HIC. There is a paucity of literature on the maternity experiences of women seeking asylum in HICs. BACKGROUND There is an increasing number of women seeking asylum in HICs due to escalating violence and human rights abuses. Asylum-seeking women are a distinct group whom are likely to have different needs to refugees or migrants as a result of their undocumented status. AIM This literature review aimed to explore the emotional, physical and health information needs of women seeking asylum in the perinatal period in HICs, to provide insights to better address their maternity needs. METHOD A meta-ethnography described by Noblit and Hare, was applied to analyse the studies, to reflect the voices of women seeking asylum, hosted in HICs in their perinatal period. FINDINGS Eight studies were included in the review. The overarching theme was 'just having to survive.' Four sub-themes were revealed which highlighted the vulnerability of asylum-seeking women. They included: 'I was never sure if I had understood', 'feeling ignored and alone', 'ongoing dislocation and recurrent relocation' and 'knowing there's someone who cares for you'. DISCUSSION Improved maternity care for women seeking asylum requires culturally appropriate respectful maternity care and supportive strategies such as consistent access to language services. CONCLUSION It is recommended that future research is targeted to explore the maternity experience of women seeking asylum in HICs, such as Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenys D Frank
- University of Technology (UTS), Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Deborah Fox
- University of Technology (UTS), Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Carolyne Njue
- University of Technology (UTS), Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Angela Dawson
- University of Technology (UTS), Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, 2007, Australia
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Abstract
Circumstances forcing individuals and families to flee set the stage for disruptions in mental health and forge resilience. Individual characteristics and conditions premigration, perimigration, and postmigration influence health, mental health, care-seeking behavior, and stages of well-being and successful resettlement. Primary care providers have strategies to promote mental well-being, including focusing on resilience and social determinants of health. Integrated or collaborative care models are ideal for delivering optimum care for refugee and immigrant communities. Connecting primary and behavioral care promotes a team approach; provides comprehensive, whole-person care; and relies on participation of patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim S Griswold
- Department of Family Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Dianne M Loomis
- Emeritus, University at Buffalo, School of Nursing, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Hoare T, Vidgen A, Roberts NP. How do people seeking asylum in the United Kingdom conceptualize and cope with the asylum journey? Med Confl Surviv 2020; 36:333-358. [PMID: 33280427 DOI: 10.1080/13623699.2020.1849960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
People seeking asylum experience traumatic events and psychological difficulties in country-of-origin, in 'flight', and during re-settlement. Research with this population has focussed on using quantitative methods to examine psychopathology from exposure to traumatic events, and there is a paucity of qualitative research exploring subjective experiences of this population throughout their asylum journey. Few studies have examined ways asylum seekers might cope with such events. This study aimed to address this gap by employing Constructivist Grounded Theory to understand the ways people seeking asylum conceptualize and cope with their experiences across the asylum process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven people seeking asylum accessing a third sector mental health project and/or primary-care health service. Four main themes emerged from the data: 'Before Asylum', 'Displacement', 'Identity in the UK' and 'Reflections on the Future'. The stress of the asylum system and adaptation to new environments are core aspects of the theory, along with an exploration of how people cope with these circumstances, via internal psychological strategies and external support sources. Prior experiences (including the development of 'inner strength') impacted upon how participants conceptualized their everyday experiences, and this shaped their considerations for the future. Service implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hoare
- Child & Family Psychology Department, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board , Newport, UK
| | - Andrew Vidgen
- Rehabilitation and Recovery Service, Adult Mental Health Services, Cardiff and Vale UHB , Cardiff, UK
| | - Neil P Roberts
- Traumatic Stress Service, Cardiff and Vale UHB , Cardiff, UK.,Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University , Cardiff, UK
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Paisi M, Baines R, Burns L, Plessas A, Radford P, Shawe J, Witton R. Barriers and facilitators to dental care access among asylum seekers and refugees in highly developed countries: a systematic review. BMC Oral Health 2020; 20:337. [PMID: 33238954 PMCID: PMC7687682 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-020-01321-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dental diseases are prevalent among asylum seekers and refugees (ASRs). Despite significant treatment needs, access to dental care in host countries is often limited. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the barriers and enablers to dental care access for ASRs in host countries of very high development. Methods Five health and social care databases and eight grey literature sources of information were searched. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool was used to critically appraise included studies. Thematic analysis was undertaken to identify common themes. These were then deductively organised according to Penchansky and Thomas’s modified access model. All review stages were conducted by two independent reviewers. Results Nine papers were included in the review. ASRs encounter significant challenges to accessing dental care in their host countries. These include affordability, communication difficulties, insufficient interpretation, limited knowledge of the healthcare systems and healthcare rights, and negative encounters with healthcare teams. The views and experiences of dental care teams providing care to ASRs were explored in only one study. Conclusions Both population and healthcare characteristics influence access to dental care for ASRs. Affordability, awareness and accommodation are most frequently described as barriers to dental access for this population. The diverse needs of this population need to be recognised by policy makers, commissioners and practitioners alike. Cultural competence needs to be incorporated into dental services and any interventions to improve access to dental care for this population. Registration PROSPERO- International prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42019145570).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Paisi
- Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (Derriford Dental Education Facility), University of Plymouth, 20 Research Way, Plymouth, PL6 8BT, UK. .,School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Rebecca Baines
- Centre for Health Technology, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Lorna Burns
- Peninsula Dental School, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Anastasios Plessas
- Peninsula Dental School, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Philip Radford
- Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust Community Dental Service, New Street Health Centre, Upper New Street, Barnsley, S70 1LP, UK
| | - Jill Shawe
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Robert Witton
- Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (Derriford Dental Education Facility), University of Plymouth, 20 Research Way, Plymouth, PL6 8BT, UK.,Peninsula Dental School, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
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Suphanchaimat R, Sinam P, Phaiyarom M, Pudpong N, Julchoo S, Kunpeuk W, Thammawijaya P. A cross sectional study of unmet need for health services amongst urban refugees and asylum seekers in Thailand in comparison with Thai population, 2019. Int J Equity Health 2020; 19:205. [PMID: 33176812 PMCID: PMC7661252 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-020-01316-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the Thai government has introduced policies to promote the health of migrants, it is still the case that urban refugees and asylum seekers (URAS) seem to be neglected. This study aimed to explore the degree of healthcare access through the perspective of unmet need in URAS, relative to the Thai population. METHODS A cross-sectional survey, using a self-reporting questionnaire adapted from the Thai Health and Welfare Survey (HWS), was performed in late 2019, with 181 URAS completing the survey. The respondents were were randomly selected from the roster of the Bangkok Refugee Center. The data of the URAS survey were combined with data of the Thai population (n = 2941) from the HWS. Unmet need for health services was defined as the status of needing healthcare in the past 12 months but failing to receive it. Bivariate analysis was conducted to explore the demographic and unmet need difference between URAS and Thais. Multivariable logistic regression and mixed-effects (ME) model were performed to determine factors associated with unmet need. RESULTS Overall, URAS were young, less educated and living in more economically deprived households, compared with Thais. About 98% of URAS were uninsured by any of the existing health insurance schemes. The prevalence of unmet need among URAS was significantly higher than among Thais in both outpatient (OP) and inpatient (IP) services (54.1% versus 2.1 and 28.0% versus 2.1%, respectively). Being uninsured showed the strongest association with unmet need, especially for OP care. The association between insurance status and unmet need was more pronounced in the ME model, relative to multivariable logistic regression. URAS migrating from Arab nations suffered from unmet need to a greater extent, compared with those originating from non-Arab nations. CONCLUSION The prevalence of unmet need in URAS was drastically high, relative to the prevalence in Thais. Factors correlated with unmet need included advanced age, lower educational achievement, and, most evidently, being uninsured. Policy makers should consider a policy option to enrol URAS in the nationwide public insurance scheme to create health security for Thai society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rapeepong Suphanchaimat
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand. .,International Health Policy Program (IHPP), Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand.
| | - Pigunkaew Sinam
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Mathudara Phaiyarom
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Nareerut Pudpong
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Sataporn Julchoo
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Watinee Kunpeuk
- International Health Policy Program (IHPP), Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Panithee Thammawijaya
- Division of Innovation and Research, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
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Abstract
"Currently, an estimated 70.8 million individuals worldwide are forcibly displaced due to war, violence, and persecution. Barriers to providing dermatologic care include the large number of affected people, their movement within and across international borders, security issues, and limited access to dermatology expertise and formularies. Screening protocols for skin diseases and sexually transmitted infections differ worldwide, raising the need for shared guidelines to assess migrants' health. This article reviews the literature of skin and sexually transmitted infections in migrants and displaced persons, highlighting the impact of social determinants on skin health and challenges faced in providing care."
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Eiset AH, Loua AS, Kruse A, Norredam M. The health status of newly arrived asylum-seeking minors in Denmark: a nationwide register-based study. Int J Public Health 2020; 65:1763-1772. [PMID: 33084920 DOI: 10.1007/s00038-020-01501-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Asylum-seeking minors are known to be at increased risk of physical and mental diseases compared to both native children and adult asylum seekers. We present a nationwide register-based study based on the health assessment of 7210 newly arrived minors in Danish asylum centres from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2015. METHODS We describe socio-demographic characteristics, trauma history and symptoms of physical and mental health. To associate the reporting of traumatic events and signs of anxiety or depression, we performed logistic regression analysis. RESULTS We found a high, albeit varying, prevalence of traumatic experiences, sleeping and eating problems, and head- and toothache. In the subgroup that was assessed for need of urgent support, more than two of every five minor scored above the threshold. In the subgroup examined by a doctor, one of every four had at least one abnormal finding. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of trauma and mental health symptoms and the association of the two were striking. Our findings underline that timely recognition and appropriate treatment of childhood traumas should be given high priority in the receiving communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Halgreen Eiset
- Centre for Global Health (GloHAU), Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Arendse Sander Loua
- Section of Immigrant Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Alexandra Kruse
- Section of Immigrant Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Paediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Marie Norredam
- Section of Immigrant Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Danish Research Centre for Migration, Ethnicity, and Health (MESU), Section for Health Services Research, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Jannesari S, Hatch S, Prina M, Oram S. Post-migration Social-Environmental Factors Associated with Mental Health Problems Among Asylum Seekers: A Systematic Review. J Immigr Minor Health 2020; 22:1055-1064. [PMID: 32430778 PMCID: PMC7441054 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-020-01025-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
People seeking asylum are at an increased risk of mental disorder compared to refugees and other migrants. This paper aims to understand the impact of postmigration social-environmental factors to help inform efforts to reduce rates of mental disorder. We conducted a systematic review searching 11 databases, as well as 6 government and nongovernment websites. We asked 5 experts for recommendations, and carried out forwards and backwards citation tracking. From 7004 papers 21 were eligible and had the appropriate data. Narrative synthesis was conducted. 24 Social-environmental factors were identified and categorised into 7 themes: working conditions, social networks, economic class, living conditions, healthcare, community and identity, and the immigration system. Evidence suggests that discrimination and post-migration stress are associated with increased rates of mental disorder. The post-migration environment influences the mental health of people seeking asylum. Discrimination and post-migration stress are key factors, warranting further research and public attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohail Jannesari
- Health Service and Population Research, The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, David Goldberg Building, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
| | - Stephani Hatch
- Psychological Medicine, The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew Prina
- Health Service and Population Research, The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, David Goldberg Building, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Sian Oram
- Health Service and Population Research, The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, David Goldberg Building, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
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Oltrogge JH, Schäfer I, Schlichting D, Jahnke M, Rakebrandt A, Pruskil S, Wagner HO, Lühmann D, Scherer M. Episodes of care in a primary care walk-in clinic at a refugee camp in Germany - a retrospective data analysis. BMC Fam Pract 2020; 21:193. [PMID: 32958030 PMCID: PMC7507675 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-020-01253-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND From 2015 to 2016 Germany faced an influx of 1.16 million asylum seekers. In the state of Hamburg Primary Care walk-in clinics (PCWC) were commissioned at refugee camps because the high number of residents (57,000 individuals) could not be provided with access to regular healthcare services. Our study aims were (1) to describe the utilization of a PCWC by camp residents, (2) to compare episodes of continuous care with shorter care episodes and (3) to analyse which diagnoses predict episodes of continuous care in this setting. METHODS A retrospective longitudinal observational study was conducted by reviewing all anonymized electronic medical records of a PCWC that operated from 4th November 2015 to 22nd July 2016 at a refugee camp in Hamburg. Episodes of care (EOC) were extracted based on the international classification of primary care-2nd edition (ICPC-2). Outcome parameters were episode duration, principal diagnoses, and medical procedures. RESULTS We analysed 5547 consultations of 1467 patients and extracted 4006 EOC. Mean patient age was 22.7 ± 14.8 years, 37.3% were female. Most common diagnoses were infections (44.7%), non-communicable diseases (22.2%), non-definitive diagnoses describing symptoms (22.0%), and injuries (5.7%). Most patients (52.4%) had only single encounters, whereas 19.8% had at least one EOC with a duration of ≥ 28 days (defined as continuous care). Several procedures were more prevalent in EOC with continuous care: Blood tests (5.2 times higher), administrative procedures (4.3), imaging (3.1) and referrals to secondary care providers (3.0). Twenty prevalent ICPC-2-diagnosis groups were associated with continuous care. The strongest associations were endocrine/metabolic system and nutritional disorders (hazard ratio 5.538, p < 0.001), dermatitis/atopic eczema (4.279, p < 0.001) and psychological disorders (4.056, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION A wide spectrum of acute and chronic health conditions could be treated at a GP-led PCWC with few referrals or use of medical resources. But we also observed episodes of continuous care with more use of medical resources and referrals. Therefore, we conclude that principles of primary care like continuity of care, coordination of care and management of symptomatic complaints could complement future healthcare concepts for refugee camps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Hendrik Oltrogge
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Ingmar Schäfer
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dana Schlichting
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Jahnke
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anja Rakebrandt
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Pruskil
- Local Health Authority - Altona, Bahrenfelder Straße 254-260, 22765, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Otto Wagner
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dagmar Lühmann
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Scherer
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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Modesti PA, Scali E, Marzotti I, Ulivi N, Boddi M, Galanti G, Pellegrino A, Macrí R. Blood pressure and fasting glucose changes in male migrants waiting for an asylum decision in Italy. A pilot study. Int J Cardiol 2020; 309:110-114. [PMID: 31884005 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2019.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Central Mediterranean route from Libya to Italy has been for years the major port of entry from Africa to Europe. However, information on the early effects of permanence in Italy on cardiovascular risk factors is limited. Therefore, the association between length of stay in Italy and blood pressure or blood glucose was explored in young asylum seekers. METHODS Cross-sectional study performed on male asylum seekers (aged 18-40 years), hosted for 0-30 months in Prato, Italy. Blood pressure and blood glucose, measured with validated instruments, were classified according to European Society of Hypertension and American Diabetes Association guidelines respectively. The relationship of quartiles of months of stay in Italy (independent variable) with blood pressure and fasting glucose was investigated with multivariate linear regression adjusted for years of age, world area of origin, education level, travel duration in months, smoking habit, alcohol use, body mass index, triglycerides. RESULTS On average, the 217 asylum seekers lived in Italy for 8.4 months (95% CI 7.5-9.3; range 0-30 months). At multivariate adjusted linear regression analysis, quartiles of months in Italy were associated with a forward shift in the blood pressure categories of the European Society of Hypertension (B = 0.396; 95% CI 0.190 to 0.602) and in the categories fasting glucose levels of the American Diabetes Association (B = 0.450; 95% CI 0.023 to 0.876). CONCLUSIONS When considering the importance of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes for ethnic minorities living in Europe, changes of cardiovascular risk factors in the new environment probably need more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ilaria Marzotti
- Dept. Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | | | - Maria Boddi
- Dept. Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Giorgio Galanti
- Dept. Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
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Richter K, Baumgärtner L, Niklewski G, Peter L, Köck M, Kellner S, Hillemacher T, Büttner-Teleaga A. Sleep disorders in migrants and refugees: a systematic review with implications for personalized medical approach. EPMA J 2020; 11:251-260. [PMID: 32549917 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-020-00205-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Sleep disorders are very common in migrants and refugees, often as a comorbid disorder to different somatic or psychiatric diagnoses and psychological disturbances such as metabolic syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders. Objectives To review published prevalence rates as well as possible predictors for sleep disturbances in these vulnerable groups, including pre-migration stress, acculturation, and trauma before, during, and after migration, integration, and lifestyle in the host country with implications for predictive, preventive, and personalized medical approach (3PM). Data sources Electronic databases PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Knowledge were searched using (combined) search terms "migrant," "asylum seeker," "refugee," "sleep disturbances," "sleep disorder," "insomnia," and "sleep wake disorder." Study eligibility criteria Peer-reviewed studies from 2000 to 2018 reporting data on prevalence and/or predictors of any measure of sleep disturbance were included. Participants Studies on international migrants and refugees, as well as internally displaced populations, were included. Methods We conducted a systematic review on the topic of sleep disorders in migrant and refugee populations. Only published articles and reviews in peer-reviewed journals were included. Results We analyzed five studies on sleep disorders in migrants, five studies on adult refugees, and three on refugee children and adolescents. Prevalence of sleep disorders in migrants and refugees ranges between 39 and 99%. In migrant workers, stress related to integration and adaptation to the host society is connected to higher risks of snoring, metabolic diseases, and insomnia. Sleep disturbances in refugees are predicted by past war experience. Sleep difficulties in adult and child refugees are strongly correlated to trauma. Torture of parents and grandparents can predict sleep disorders in refugee children, while being accompanied by parents to the host country has a protective effect on children's sleep. Conclusions and implications Considering the differences in risk factors, vulnerability, and traumatic life events for different migrant populations, origins of sleep difficulties vary, depending on the migrant populations. Effects on sleep disturbances and sleep quality may be a result of integration in the host country, including changes of lifestyle, such as diet and working hours with implication for OSAS (obstructive sleep apnea) and insomnia. Compared with migrant populations, sleep disturbances in refugee populations are more correlated with mental health symptoms and disorders, especially PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), than with psychosocial problems. In juvenile refugee populations, psychological problems and disturbed sleep are associated with traumatic experiences during their journey to the host country. Findings highlight the need for expert recommendations for development of 3P approach stratified in the following: (1) prediction, including structured exploration of predisposing and precipitating factors that may trigger acute insomnia, screening of the according sleep disorders by validated translated questionnaires and sleep diaries, and a face-to-face or virtual setting and screening of OSAS; (2) target prevention by sleep health education for female and male refugees and migrant workers, including shift workers; and (3) personalized medical approach, including translated cognitive behavioral treatment for insomnia (CBT-I) and imagery rehearsal therapy for refugees and telehealth programs for improved CPAP adherence in migrants, with the goal to enable better sleep health quality and improved health economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kneginja Richter
- University Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany.,Faculty for Social Work, Technical University Nuremberg Georg Simon Ohm, Nuremberg, Germany.,Faculty for medical sciences, University Goce Delcev, Stip, Macedonia
| | - Lisa Baumgärtner
- University Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Günter Niklewski
- University Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany.,Faculty for medical sciences, University Goce Delcev, Stip, Macedonia
| | - Lukas Peter
- University Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany.,Faculty for Social Work, Technical University Nuremberg Georg Simon Ohm, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Melanie Köck
- University Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kellner
- Faculty for Social Work, Technical University Nuremberg Georg Simon Ohm, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Hillemacher
- University Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Antje Büttner-Teleaga
- Institute of Cognitive Science, Woosuk University, Wanju, South Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, University Witten-Herdecke, Witten, Germany
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Ziersch A, Due C, Walsh M. Discrimination: a health hazard for people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds resettled in Australia. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:108. [PMID: 31992261 PMCID: PMC6986068 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-8068-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research has shown that discrimination is harmful to health, but there is relatively little known about discrimination experienced by people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds in resettlement countries and associated health effects. This qualitative-focused mixed methods paper reports on discrimination experienced by refugees and asylum seekers, responses to discrimination, and impacts on health. Methods As part of a broader study of housing, social inclusion and health, surveys were completed by 423 adult refugees and asylum seekers living in South Australia who had been in Australia for up to 7 years. The survey included questions on discrimination based on skin colour, ethnicity and religion, as well as questions on hope, trust, belonging, sense of control and health (including the SF-8). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 65 survey participants, purposively sampled by visa status, continent and gender, further exploring experiences of discrimination. These and survey open-ended responses were analysed thematically. Results Twenty-two percent of survey participants reported experiences of discrimination since arriving in Australia (14% in the last year), and 90% of these felt that discrimination had harmed their health. Key settings of discrimination were public transport, within the neighbourhood, and in relation to employment. Those who reported discrimination had significantly worse mental health (p < .000) but not physical health. Discrimination was also associated with less sense of belonging (p = .001), lower levels of trust (p = .038), reduced sense of control (p = .012) and less hope (p = .006). Incidents described in interviews and the open-ended survey responses included incivility, physical assault, and denial of services, experienced across intersecting characteristics of race/ethnicity, religion, gender and visa status. Responses to discrimination spanned affective, cognitive and behavioural dimensions, ranging across types of experience, participant characteristics and context, with most individuals reporting multiple response types. While some of the responses were reported by participants as protective of health, participants’ reflections indicated significant negative impacts on mental health in particular. Conclusion Discrimination featured in the resettlement experiences of a significant number of refugees and asylum seekers, with participants reporting clear negative impacts on mental health. Addressing discrimination is a key resettlement and health issue requiring urgent action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ziersch
- Southgate Institute for Health, Society and Equity, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.
| | - Clemence Due
- Southgate Institute for Health, Society and Equity, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.,School of Psychology Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Moira Walsh
- Southgate Institute for Health, Society and Equity, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
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Byrow Y, Pajak R, Specker P, Nickerson A. Perceptions of mental health and perceived barriers to mental health help-seeking amongst refugees: A systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2019; 75:101812. [PMID: 31901882 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2019.101812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite elevated rates of psychological disorders amongst individuals from a refugee background, levels of mental health help-seeking in these populations are low. There is an urgent need to understand the key barriers that prevent refugees and asylum-seekers from accessing help for psychological symptoms. This review synthesises literature examining perceptions of mental health and barriers to mental health help-seeking in individuals from a refugee background. Our analysis, which complies with PRISMA reporting guidelines, identified 62 relevant studies. Data extraction and thematic analytic techniques were used to synthesise findings from quantitative (n = 26) and qualitative (n = 40) studies. We found that the salient barriers to help-seeking were: (a) cultural barriers, including mental health stigma and knowledge of dominant models of mental health; (b) structural barriers, including financial strain, language proficiency, unstable accommodation, and a lack of understanding of how to access services, and (c) barriers specific to the refugee experience, including immigration status, a lack of trust in authority figures and concerns about confidentiality. We discuss and contextualise these key themes and consider how these findings can inform the development of policies and programs to increase treatment uptake and ultimately reduce the mental health burden amongst refugees and asylum-seekers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulisha Byrow
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Rosanna Pajak
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Philippa Specker
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Angela Nickerson
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Weigl JAI. Open flanks in the management of tuberculosis in Germany under the pressure of migration. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 39:741-7. [PMID: 31848791 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03791-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
To prevent transmission is the ultimate goal of any TB control strategy. So far, asylum seekers/immigrants are only actively screened for TB after arrival in Germany, if admitted to mass accommodation facilities. The current TB control strategy in Germany is assessed by a SWOT-analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) including the impact of active case finding, environmental case finding (ECF) also known as contact tracing, passive case finding (PCF) and effective TB treatment. According to the number-needed-to-screen (NNS), asylum seekers from most countries and unaccompanied minors would have to be screened for active TB by a chest radiograph at entry independently of the type of accommodation. This would include children between 10 and 15 years of age and a follow-up for at least 3 to 5 years, with a denser follow-up in the first year. ECF and PCF only contribute little to a proactive reduction of the pre-patency period. The available data on the epidemiology and the NNS of TB in migrants are sufficient to come up with a more powerful control strategy for TB in migrants in Germany to close the existing open flanks. It is time for action.
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Leppälä S, Lamminpää R, Gissler M, Vehviläinen-Julkunen K. Humanitarian migrant women's experiences of maternity care in Nordic countries: A systematic integrative review of qualitative research. Midwifery 2019; 80:102572. [PMID: 31739182 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2019.102572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal morbidity and sub-optimal maternity care are more common in humanitarian migrants in comparison to country-born population in the Nordic countries. Statistical reviews on the issue are plenty, whereas little synthesis on humanitarian migrants' lived experiences exists. AIM This systematic integrative literature review investigated humanitarian migrant women's experiences on maternity care in Nordic countries, aiming to address possible hindrances for optimal care. METHODS Electronic search in PubMed, CINAHL, SocIndex, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science yielded 474 papers. PICoS inclusion and exclusion criteria were used. Critical appraisal was conducted utilising 32-item COREQ tool. The findings of the review articles were synthesised through thematic analysis. FINDINGS Ten qualitative studies were included in the review. Altogether 198 women in Sweden, Norway and Finland had participated interviews or focus group discussions. Analysis of the women's reported experiences of care emerged three themes: Diminished negotiation power on care, Sense of insecurity, and Experienced care-related discrimination. KEY CONCLUSION Humanitarian migrant women's maternal morbidity and sub-optimal care has multiple potential explanations, and their experiences of care reflect those earlier reported. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Recommendations for tackling the addressed hindrances are: (1) enabling humanitarian migrant women's negotiation power by acknowledging their vulnerability but also competency, (2) increasing the sense of security, and (3) improving care providers' cultural competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satu Leppälä
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Reeta Lamminpää
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mika Gissler
- Information Services Department, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katri Vehviläinen-Julkunen
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Kuopio University Hospital, Finland
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Essex R. Do codes of ethics and position statements help guide ethical decision making in Australian immigration detention centres? BMC Med Ethics 2019; 20:52. [PMID: 31337376 PMCID: PMC6652001 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-019-0392-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Australian immigration detention has been called state sanctioned abuse and a crime against humanity. The Australian healthcare community has been closely involved with these policies, calling for their reform and working within detention centres to provide healthcare. As well as having a devastating impact on health, immigration detention changes the scope and nature of healthcare, with its delivery described as a Sisyphean task. In this article I will explore the guidance that is available to clinicians who work within detention centres and argue that codes, guidelines and positions statements provide little help in relation to ethical decision making. First I will outline guidance that can be found in codes of ethics and position statements, focusing on particularly relevant principles, such as advocacy, clinical independence and the clinicians' relationship to human rights. I will then highlight the disparity between this guidance and the delivery of healthcare within detention by drawing on the testimony of clinicians who formerly worked in these environments. While this disparity should be cause for alarm and at a minimum call into question how codes and positions statements are being used (if at all), there are more fundamental reasons why codes and position statements fail to provide guidance in these circumstances. I will outline a more general criticism of codes of ethics and use this to suggest a way forward, including looking beyond codes and position statements to guide action within Australian immigration detention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Essex
- The University of Greenwich, London, UK.
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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Ibrahim Y, Singer E, Baronia R, McMahon T, Nelson J, Katz C. Forensic psychiatry evaluation in a U. S. immigration detention center in southwest Texas. J Forensic Leg Med 2019; 66:113-6. [PMID: 31277038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2019.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Immigration and asylum-seeking are issues that have recently. warranted increased attention and significance. In the aftermath of terrorist attacks, people are more wary of asylum seekers who are usually held in detention centers after fleeing persecution and not for criminal or immigration charges. Asylum seekers may raise suspicions due to inconsistent statements and can be held in detention for the duration of the process and/or denied asylum. Inconsistencies may be influenced by psychiatric symptoms, cognitive abilities, the type of past trauma experienced, the questioning style of the interviewer, and are usually unrelated to dishonesty or malingering making psychiatric consult important in many of these evaluations.
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McKnight P, Goodwin L, Kenyon S. A systematic review of asylum-seeking women's views and experiences of UK maternity care. Midwifery 2019; 77:16-23. [PMID: 31233990 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore and synthesise evidence of asylum-seeking women's experiences of maternity care in the UK. DESIGN A systematic review and thematic synthesis of peer-reviewed qualitative evidence. Relevant databases were searched from 2000 until 2018. Study quality was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative research appraisal tool. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS UK-based studies which describe asylum-seeking women's views and experiences of maternity care. FINDINGS Six studies were included for thematic synthesis. Seven common themes emerged; 'Communication challenges', 'Isolation', Mental health challenges', 'Professional attitudes', Access to healthcare', 'Effects of dispersal' and 'Housing challenges'. The review indicated that pregnant asylum seekers face significant barriers to accessing maternity care due to practical issues related to the challenges of their status and lack of knowledge of maternity services, together with professional attitudes. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Mandatory provision of interpreter services, together with training for health care professionals could address urgent issues faced by pregnant asylum seekers. Further research and population-specific guidelines are needed to improve care for these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- P McKnight
- Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Maternity Portacabin, City Hospital, Dudley Rd, Birmingham B18 7QH, United Kingdom.
| | - L Goodwin
- Institute of Applied Health Research, Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
| | - S Kenyon
- Institute of Applied Health Research, Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
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Unterhitzenberger J, Wintersohl S, Lang M, König J, Rosner R. Providing manualized individual trauma-focused CBT to unaccompanied refugee minors with uncertain residence status: a pilot study. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2019; 13:22. [PMID: 31131021 PMCID: PMC6524217 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-019-0282-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unaccompanied refugee minors (URMs) seeking asylum show high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. In addition, they experience post-migration stressors like an uncertain residence status. Therefore, psychotherapeutic interventions for URMs are urgently needed but have scarcely been investigated up to now. This study aimed to examine manualized individual trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) for URMs with PTSD involving their professional caregivers (i.e. social workers in child and adolescent welfare facilities). METHODS We conducted an uncontrolled pilot study with three follow-up assessments (post-intervention, 6 weeks, and 6 months). Participants who met the PTSD diagnostic criteria were treated in a university psychotherapeutic outpatient clinic in Germany with a mean of 15 sessions of TF-CBT. All participants (n = 26) were male UM (Mage = 17.1, SD = 1.0), predominately from Afghanistan (n = 19, 73.1%) and did not have a residence permit. The sample was severely traumatized according to the number of traumatic event types reported (M = 11.3, SD = 2.8). The primary outcome was PTSD measured with the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS) and the Diagnostic Interview for Mental Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence (Kinder-DIPS). Secondary outcomes were depression, behavioural and somatic symptoms. All but the somatic symptoms were assessed in both self-report and proxy report. RESULTS At post-intervention the completer sample (n = 19) showed significantly decreased PTSD symptoms, F(1, 18) = 11.41, p = .003, with a large effect size (d = 1.08). Improvements remained stable after 6 weeks and 6 months. In addition to PTSD symptoms, their caregivers reported significantly decreased depressive and behavioural symptoms in participants. According to the clinical interview, 84% of PTSD cases recovered after TF-CBT treatment. After 6 months, youths whose asylum request had been rejected showed increased PTSD symptoms according to individual trajectories in the Kinder-DIPS. The effect was, however, non-significant. CONCLUSIONS Intervention studies are feasible with URMs. This pilot study presents preliminary evidence for the efficacy of an evidence-based intervention like TF-CBT in reducing PTSD symptoms in URMs. Stressors related to asylum proceedings after the end of therapy have the potential to negatively influence psychotherapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Unterhitzenberger
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Ostenstrasse 25, 85072 Eichstätt, Germany
| | - Svenja Wintersohl
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Ostenstrasse 25, 85072 Eichstätt, Germany
| | - Margret Lang
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Ostenstrasse 25, 85072 Eichstätt, Germany
| | - Julia König
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Ostenstrasse 25, 85072 Eichstätt, Germany
| | - Rita Rosner
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Ostenstrasse 25, 85072 Eichstätt, Germany
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Nosè M, Turrini G, Imoli M, Ballette F, Ostuzzi G, Cucchi F, Padoan C, Ruggeri M, Barbui C. Prevalence and Correlates of Psychological Distress and Psychiatric Disorders in Asylum Seekers and Refugees Resettled in an Italian Catchment Area. J Immigr Minor Health 2019; 20:263-270. [PMID: 28730398 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-017-0629-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In recent years there has been a progressive rise in the number of asylum seekers and refugees displaced from their country of origin, with significant social, economic, humanitarian and public health implications. The aim of this study is to describe the frequency and correlates of psychological distress and psychiatric disorders in asylum seekers and refugees resettled in an Italian catchment area. In the catchment area of Verona, all male asylum seekers and refugees aged 18 or above included in the Italian protection system for asylum seekers and refugees during a period of 1 year were screened for psychological distress and psychiatric disorders using validated questionnaires. During the study period, 109 asylum seekers or refugees were recruited. The frequency of traumatic events experienced was very high. More than one-third of the participants (36%) showed clinically relevant psychological distress, and one-fourth (25%), met the criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis, mainly PTSD and depressive disorders. In multivariate analyses, time after departure, length of stay in the host country and number of traumatic events were independent factors associated with psychological distress and psychiatric disorders. In an unselected sample of male asylum seekers and refugees, after around 1 year of resettlement in an Italian catchment area, the frequency of psychological distress and psychiatric disorders was substantial and clinically relevant. Health care systems should include a mental health component to recognise and effectively treat mental health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Nosè
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Policlinico GB Rossi, Piazzale Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy.
| | - Giulia Turrini
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Policlinico GB Rossi, Piazzale Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Imoli
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Policlinico GB Rossi, Piazzale Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Ballette
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Policlinico GB Rossi, Piazzale Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ostuzzi
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Policlinico GB Rossi, Piazzale Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | | | | | - Mirella Ruggeri
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Policlinico GB Rossi, Piazzale Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Corrado Barbui
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Policlinico GB Rossi, Piazzale Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
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Tiittala P, Kivelä P, Liitsola K, Ollgren J, Pasanen S, Vasankari T, Ristola M. Important Gaps in HIV Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Among Young Asylum Seekers in Comparison to the General Population. J Immigr Minor Health 2019; 20:1415-1423. [PMID: 29423620 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-018-0707-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Migrants are disproportionately affected by HIV in many European countries, including Finland. We aimed to compare the HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of young asylum seekers to those of the general young adult population. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted among 20- to 25-year-old young adults: The TIE study among asylum seekers (n = 47) and the World AIDS Day 2014 study among the general population (n = 485). Important gaps in HIV KAP were identified especially among the young asylum seekers. For the general young adult population, previous HIV testing was associated with female gender, better HIV knowledge and increased sexual activity. Health education concerning HIV needs to be further enforced among young adults in Finland. Due to poorer HIV knowledge, young asylum seekers might be especially vulnerable to HIV. The asylum process is a window of opportunity for health education and HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Tiittala
- Doctoral Programme in Population Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. .,Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Pia Kivelä
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kirsi Liitsola
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Ollgren
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sini Pasanen
- Positiiviset ry, HivFinland, on behalf of the World Aids Day committee 2014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuula Vasankari
- Finnish Lung Health Association (Filha), on behalf of the TIE steering committee, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti Ristola
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Boggild AK, Geduld J, Libman M, Yansouni CP, McCarthy AE, Hajek J, Ghesquiere W, Mirzanejad Y, Vincelette J, Kuhn S, Plourde PJ, Chakrabarti S, Greenaway C, Hamer DH, Kain KC. Spectrum of illness in migrants to Canada: sentinel surveillance through CanTravNet. J Travel Med 2019; 26:5159662. [PMID: 30395252 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/tay117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to ongoing political instability and conflict in many parts of the world, migrants are increasingly seeking asylum and refuge in Canada. METHODS We examined demographic and travel correlates of illnesses among migrants to Canada to establish a detailed epidemiologic framework of this population for Canadian practitioners. Data on ill-returned Canadian travellers presenting to a CanTravNet site between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015 were analyzed. RESULTS During the study period, 2415 ill travellers and migrants presented to a CanTravNet site, and of those, 519 (21.5%) travelled for the purpose of migration. Sub-Saharan Africa (n = 160, 30.8%), southeast Asia (n = 84, 16.2%) and south central Asia (n = 75, 14.5%) were the most common source regions for migrants, while the top specific source countries, of 98 represented, were the Philippines (n = 45, 8.7%), China (n = 36, 6.9%) and Vietnam (n = 31, 6.0%). Compared with non-migrant travellers, migrants were more likely to have a pre-existing immunocompromising medical condition, such as HIV or diabetes mellitus (P < 0.0001), and to require inpatient management of their illness (P < 0.0001). Diagnoses such as tuberculosis (n = 263, 50.7%), hepatitis B and C (n = 78, 15%) and HIV (n = 11, 2.1%) were over-represented in the migrant population compared with non-migrant travellers (P < 0.0001). Most cases of tuberculosis in the migrant population (n = 263) were latent (82% [n = 216]); only 18% (n = 47) were active. CONCLUSIONS Compared with non-migrant travellers, migrants were more likely to present with a communicable infectious disease, such as tuberculosis, potentially complicated by an underlying immunosuppressing condition such as HIV. These differences highlight the divergent healthcare needs in the migrant population, and underscore the importance of surveillance programmes to understand their burden of illness. Intake programming should be adequately resourced to accommodate the medical needs of this vulnerable population of new Canadians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea K Boggild
- Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University Health Network and the University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada.,Public Health Ontario Laboratories, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Geduld
- Office of Border and Travel Health, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Libman
- The J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Cedric P Yansouni
- The J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anne E McCarthy
- Tropical Medicine and International Health Clinic, Division of Infectious Diseases, Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa, Ottawa ON, Canada
| | - Jan Hajek
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wayne Ghesquiere
- Infectious Diseases, Vancouver Island Health Authority, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yazdan Mirzanejad
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver British Columbia, Canada.,Fraser Health, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jean Vincelette
- Hôpital Saint-Luc du CHUM, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Susan Kuhn
- Section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital and the University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Pierre J Plourde
- Travel Health and Tropical Medicine Services, Population and Public Health Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sumontra Chakrabarti
- Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University Health Network and the University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada.,Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Christina Greenaway
- The J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Davidson H Hamer
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kevin C Kain
- Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University Health Network and the University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada.,SAR Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, Toronto, ON Canada
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50
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Patel NA, Sreshta N, Frank A, Marlin RP, Boyd JW. Psychiatric Resident Participation in an Asylum Clinic: a Single-Institutional Experience. Acad Psychiatry 2019; 43:56-60. [PMID: 29687306 DOI: 10.1007/s40596-018-0925-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study describes the experiences of adult psychiatry residents working in an established faculty-led asylum clinic within a community-based, academic residency program at the Cambridge Health Alliance. METHODS Eighteen psychiatry residents who participated in the asylum clinic were sent electronic surveys asking about their background and experience. Respondents' responses were collected anonymously. RESULTS Sixteen out of 18 (89%) trainees responded. Thirteen respondents had a personal history with immigration. Fifty-three percent of residents wanted to utilize their professional standing to advance moral good. Writing up affidavits was noted to be challenging by nine (60%) of 15 trainees. Ninety-four percent (15/16) of trainees noted that they would be willing to perform future evaluations. Most noted that performing evaluations had a significant impact on their clinical practice and their conceptualization of their own roles as psychiatrists. CONCLUSIONS Participating in asylum evaluations impacts residents' sense of themselves as psychiatrists and expands their views about psychiatrists' roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil A Patel
- Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nina Sreshta
- Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Amber Frank
- Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Robert P Marlin
- Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - J Wesley Boyd
- Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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