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Schoenberger SF, Schönenberg K, Fuhr DC, Nesterko Y, Glaesmer H, Sondorp E, Woodward A, Sijbrandij M, Cuijpers P, Massazza A, McKee M, Roberts B. Mental healthcare access among resettled Syrian refugees in Leipzig, Germany. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2024; 11:e25. [PMID: 38572249 PMCID: PMC10988152 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2024.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Our aim was to examine mental health needs and access to mental healthcare services among Syrian refugees in the city of Leipzig, Germany. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with Syrian refugee adults in Leipzig, Germany in 2021/2022. Outcomes included PTSD (PCL-5), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7) and somatic symptom (SSS-8). Descriptive, regression and effect modification analyses assessed associations between selected predictor variables and mental health service access. The sampling strategy means findings are applicable only to Syrian refugees in Leipzig. Of the 513 respondents, 18.3% had moderate/severe anxiety symptoms, 28.7% had moderate/severe depression symptoms, and 25.3% had PTSD symptoms. A total of 52.8% reported past year mental health problems, and 48.9% of those participants sought care for these problems. The most common reasons for not accessing mental healthcare services were wanting to handle the problem themselves and uncertainty about where to access services. Adjusted Poisson regression models (n = 259) found significant associations between current mental health symptoms and mental healthcare service access (RR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.02-2.15, p = 0.041) but significance levels were not reached between somatization and trust in physicians with mental healthcare service access. Syrian refugees in Leipzig likely experience high unmet mental health needs. Community-based interventions for refugee mental health and de-stigmatization activities are needed to address these unmet needs in Leipzig.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha F. Schoenberger
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kim Schönenberg
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniela C. Fuhr
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Research Group Implementation Research and Mental Health, Leibniz Institute of Prevention Research and Epidemiology, Bremen, Germany
- Health Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Yuriy Nesterko
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Research Department, Center ÜBERLEBEN, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heide Glaesmer
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Egbert Sondorp
- Department of Global Health, KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Aniek Woodward
- Department of Global Health, KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alessandro Massazza
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Martin McKee
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Bayard Roberts
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Glass DJ, Young YM, Tran TK, Clarkin P, Korinek K. Weathering within war: Somatic health complaints among Vietnamese older adults exposed to bombing and violence as adolescents in the American war. J Psychosom Res 2023; 165:111080. [PMID: 36680917 PMCID: PMC9902178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.111080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE People living in war may experience deteriorating health via weathering (wear and tear) from long-term exposures to psychosocial and environmental stressors. Weathering embodied in somatic health complaints may illuminate the effects of war on health. METHODS We investigate whether wartime stress exposures occurring during adolescence and early adulthood affect weathering in late adulthood via linear regression with data from the Vietnamese Health and Aging Study (VHAS). VHAS is a cross-sectional study wherein investigators surveyed 2447 adults aged 60+ in four districts of northern and central Vietnam in 2018. These same individuals ranged in age from seven to 52 in 1965, with most having been in adolescence or early adulthood at the peak of the American war in Vietnam (1965-1975). The sample used for this study (n = 2254) were participants in the first VHAS wave in 2018. RESULTS We find older Vietnamese adults exposed to higher-intensity provincial bombing suffer more numerous somatic health complaints (unstandardized β = 0.005, SE = 0.001, p = 0.001). Additionally, greater health complaints emerge among older adults whose most intense bombing exposures were at younger ages of adolescence (< age 15) as compared to those whose peak exposures were in older ages (19-25) (unstandardized β = 0.62 95%, SE = 0.19, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that age of exposure to armed conflict is a critical determinant of weathering across the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaney J Glass
- University of Washington Seattle, Department of Anthropology, United States of America.
| | - Yvette M Young
- University of Utah, Department of Sociology, United States of America.
| | - Toan Khanh Tran
- Hanoi Medical University, Family Medicine Department, Viet Nam
| | - Patrick Clarkin
- University of Massachusetts Boston, Department of Anthropology, United States of America.
| | - Kim Korinek
- University of Utah, Department of Sociology, United States of America.
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Meurling J, Rondung E, Leiler A, Wasteson E, Andersson G, Richards D, Shahnavaz S, Bjärtå A. An online tiered screening procedure to identify mental health problems among refugees. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:7. [PMID: 36597066 PMCID: PMC9811744 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04481-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many refugees suffer from mental health problems due to stressful and traumatic events before, during, and after migration. However, refugees are facing a wide variety of barriers, limiting their access to mental health care. Internet-based tools, available in several languages, could be one way to increase the availability of mental health services for refugees. The present study aimed to develop and test a screening tool to screen for clinically relevant symptoms of psychiatric disorders common among refugees (i.e. Depression, Anxiety, Post-traumatic stress disorder, and Insomnia). We, designed, translated, and adapted an internet-based tiered screening procedure suitable for use with the largest refugee populations residing in Sweden. The tool aims to accurately identify symptoms of mental distress (Tier 1), differentiate between symptoms of specific psychiatric disorders (Tier 2), and assess symptom severity (Tier 3). We tested the overall efficiency of using a tiered screening procedure. METHODS Seven hundred fifty-seven refugees residing in Sweden, speaking any of the languages Arabic, Dari, Farsi, English, or Swedish, completed an online questionnaire following a three-tiered procedure with screening instruments for each tier. In this study, the Tier 3 scales were used as reference standards for clinically relevant symptoms, to evaluate screening efficiency in terms of accuracy and reduction of item burden in previous tiers. RESULTS The results show that the tiered procedure could reduce the item burden while maintaining high accuracy, with up to 86% correctly assessed symptoms and few false negatives with moderate symptoms and above (at most 9%), and very few with severe symptoms (at most 1.3%). DISCUSSION This study generated an accurate screening tool that efficiently identifies clinically relevant symptoms of common psychiatric disorders among refugees. Using an adapted online tiered procedure to screen for multiple mental health issues among refugees has the potential to facilitate screening and increase access to mental health services for refugees. We discuss the utility of the screening tool and the necessity of further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Meurling
- Department of Psychology and Social work, Mid Sweden University, 831 25, Östersund, Sweden.
| | - Elisabet Rondung
- grid.29050.3e0000 0001 1530 0805Department of Psychology and Social work, Mid Sweden University, 831 25 Östersund, Sweden
| | - Anna Leiler
- grid.29050.3e0000 0001 1530 0805Department of Psychology and Social work, Mid Sweden University, 831 25 Östersund, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Wasteson
- grid.29050.3e0000 0001 1530 0805Department of Psychology and Social work, Mid Sweden University, 831 25 Östersund, Sweden
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- grid.5640.70000 0001 2162 9922Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Derek Richards
- grid.8217.c0000 0004 1936 9705School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Shervin Shahnavaz
- grid.467087.a0000 0004 0442 1056Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Insititutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Bjärtå
- Department of Psychology and Social work, Mid Sweden University, 831 25, Östersund, Sweden.
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Relations between criteria for somatic symptom disorder and quality of life in asylum seekers living in Germany. J Psychosom Res 2022; 160:110977. [PMID: 35803108 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.110977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Asylum seekers often suffer from medically unexplained symptoms that affect their quality of life (QoL). The present study is the first to investigate the extent to which somatic symptoms and the B criteria for the DSM-5 somatic symptom disorder (SSD) are associated with the QoL of asylum seekers living in Germany. METHODS In 144 asylum seekers, somatic symptoms (PHQ-15), B criteria for SSD, symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PDS), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), post-migration living difficulties (PMLD), and QoL (EUROHIS) were assessed cross-sectionally. Multiple regressions in the total sample and in groups of somatic symptom severity (mild/moderate and severe) were conducted to examine the associations between somatic symptoms and B criteria with QoL. RESULTS Sleep problems and pain were the most frequently reported somatic symptoms. Sixteen (11%) participants met one B criterion, 24 (17%) met two, and 84 (58%) met all three criteria. QoL correlated negatively with somatic symptoms (r = -0.56, p < .001) and with the existence of at least one B criterion (r = -0.24, p < .001). In the total sample, stronger depressive and somatic symptoms were related to lower QoL (adjusted R2 = 0.53) while the B criteria were not. In persons with severe somatic symptom severity, the B criterion behavior was associated with lower QoL. CONCLUSION In addition to stronger somatic and depressive symptoms, the psychological B criterion behavior seems to play an important role in the lower QoL of asylum seekers with severe somatic symptoms.
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Nissen A, Hynek KA, Scales D, Hilden PK, Straiton M. Chronic pain, mental health and functional impairment in adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:571. [PMID: 36002823 PMCID: PMC9404590 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04200-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited research exists on pain and especially the co-occurrence of pain and mental ill health in general refugee populations. The present study aimed to approximate the prevalence of chronic pain (CP) among adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway; investigate the association between CP and mental ill health; and explore how CP and mental ill health associate with both perceived general health and functional impairment. Gender as potential effect modifier in these associations was also examined. METHODS Cross-sectional, postal survey questionnaire. INCLUSION CRITERIA ≥ 18 years old; refugee from Syria; and arrived in Norway between 2015 and 2017. Study sample was randomly drawn from full population registries, and n = 902 participated (participation rate ≈10%). CP was measured with 10 items on pain lasting for ≥ 3 consecutive months last year. Symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD were measured with the HSCL and HTQ scales, respectively. Ordered and binomial logistic regressions were used in analyses. Gender was tested as effect modifier with Wald test for interaction. RESULTS In the sample overall, the proportion of participants who reported severe CP was 43.1%. There was strong evidence that anxiety, depression and PTSD were associated with higher levels of CP. In fully adjusted regression models, including both CP and mental health variables, CP was strongly associated with poor perceived general health whereas mental health showed much weaker associations. The association between mental health (anxiety and PTSD) and functional impairment was highly gender specific, with strong associations in men but not in women. CP was strongly associated with functional impairment with no difference across gender. CONCLUSION The study shows a high burden of CP in a general population of adult refugees from Syria with likely substantial adverse consequences for daily functioning. The strong association between CP and mental ill health suggests personnel working with refugees' health should be attuned to their co-occurrence as both problems may need to be addressed for either to be effectively mitigated. A clear mismatch exists between the burden on health caused by pain in general refugee populations and the amount of available evidence to guide mitigating strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03742128.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Nissen
- Section for Trauma, Catastrophes and Forced Migration - Adults and Elderly, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, 0484, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Kamila Angelika Hynek
- grid.418193.60000 0001 1541 4204Division for Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Skøyen, PO Box 222, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - David Scales
- grid.5386.8000000041936877XSection of Hospital Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th Street, Box 331, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Per Kristian Hilden
- grid.504188.00000 0004 0460 5461Section for Trauma, Catastrophes and Forced Migration - Adults and Elderly, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, 0484 Oslo, Norway
| | - Melanie Straiton
- grid.418193.60000 0001 1541 4204Division for Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Skøyen, PO Box 222, 0213 Oslo, Norway
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Sá FHDL, Waikamp V, Freitas LHM, Baeza FLC. Mental health outcomes in Syrian refugees: A systematic review. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 68:933-953. [PMID: 35657322 DOI: 10.1177/00207640221099404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syria is the main country of origin for refugees in the world. The prevalence of mental disorders in this population is high, but there is a lack of more comprehensive data on mental health issues in this population. AIM This study aims to review the literature for mental health outcomes in Syrian refugees. METHODS We performed a systematic quantitative literature review of original observational studies indexed on the MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, LILACS, and SciELO databases with quantitative data reporting mental health outcomes in Syrian refugees. A descriptive analysis was conducted, and the quality of the included studies was assessed using an adaptation from The National Institutes of Health (NIH) quality assessment tool for observational studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. RESULTS A total of 64 studies were included. The majority were published between 2019 and 2020, and focused on the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, with a wide range of variations. Other outcomes were difficulties in the post-migration period and promotive factors for mental health, such as resilience, positive coping strategies, and psychosocial well-being. CONCLUSIONS High prevalence rates of mental disorders were observed, as well as risk factors for their occurrence. Studies showed a very high variability of prevalence rates and heterogeneity in methodologies. There is a need for research focusing on other determinants and specific necessities for mental health, especially in the post-resettlement period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Henrique de Lima Sá
- Post-Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Federal University at Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Vitória Waikamp
- Post-Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Federal University at Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lúcia Helena Machado Freitas
- Post-Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Federal University at Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Clinical Hospital of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Grasser LR. Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Refugees and Displaced Populations: Is Enough Being Done? Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2022; 15:909-922. [PMID: 35573980 PMCID: PMC9094640 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s270233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
There are over 82.4 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, about a quarter of whom are resettling as refugees. In the wake of the global refugee crisis spurred by conflict, religious and political persecution, human rights violations, and climate disasters, a mental health has crisis followed. Not only does trauma experienced in home countries and as part of forced migration affect mental health, so too do post-migration traumatic events, discrimination, lack of access to quality and affordable healthcare and housing, and acculturation. To address mental health concerns in refugees and displaced populations, collective action is needed not only from health care providers but also from mental health researchers, funders, journals, resettlement agencies, government entities, and humanitarian organizations. The present review highlights the work of numerous scholars and organizations with the goal of understanding the mental health concerns of forcibly displaced persons within and across ecological systems. The present review seeks to bring attention to the experiences of forcibly displaced persons, summarize the growing body of research understanding the acute and chronic effects of forced displacement and possible interventions, and give a call to action for all members of the global community at every level to engage in joint efforts to improve mental health in refugees and displaced persons. Notably, there is a need for more interventions at the familial and community level that serve not only as treatment but also as prevention. Smartphone-based interventions, mind-body modalities, and interventions delivered by lay and non-clinician community members hold promise. Numerous strides could be made in refugee mental health and treatment when funding agencies include these goals in their research priorities. Despite the challenges they have faced, persons who resettle as refugees are incredibly resilient and deserve to be afforded every right, opportunity, dignity, and respect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Ruvolo Grasser
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Correspondence: Lana Ruvolo Grasser, 3901 Chrysler Dr., Suite 2C Room 273, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA, Tel +1 248 535 6371, Email
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Acarturk C, Uygun E, Ilkkursun Z, Yurtbakan T, Kurt G, Adam-Troian J, Senay I, Bryant R, Cuijpers P, Kiselev N, McDaid D, Morina N, Nisanci Z, Park AL, Sijbrandij M, Ventevogel P, Fuhr DC. Group problem management plus (PM+) to decrease psychological distress among Syrian refugees in Turkey: a pilot randomised controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:8. [PMID: 34983461 PMCID: PMC8728921 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03645-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syrian refugees resettled in Turkey show a high prevalence of symptoms of mental disorders. Problem Management Plus (PM+) is an effective psychological intervention delivered by non-specialist health care providers which has shown to decrease psychological distress among people exposed to adversity. In this single-blind pilot randomised controlled trial, we examined the methodological trial procedures of Group PM+ (gPM+) among Syrian refugees with psychological distress in Istanbul, Turkey, and assessed feasibility, acceptability, perceived impact and the potential cost-effectiveness of the intervention. METHODS Refugees with psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, K10 > 15) and impaired psychosocial functioning (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, WHODAS 2.0 > 16) were recruited from the community and randomised to either gPM+ and enhanced care as usual (E-CAU) (n = 24) or E-CAU only (n = 22). gPM+ comprised of five weekly group sessions with eight to ten participants per group. Acceptability and feasibility of the intervention were assessed through semi-structured interviews. The primary outcome at 3-month follow-up was symptoms of depression and anxiety (Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25). Psychosocial functioning (WHODAS 2.0), symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and self-identified problems (Psychological Outcomes Profiles, PSYCHLOPS) were included as secondary outcomes. A modified version of the Client Service Receipt Inventory was used to document changes in the costs of health service utilisation as well as productivity losses. RESULTS There were no barriers experienced in recruiting study participants and in randomising them into the respective study arms. Retention in gPM+ was high (75%). Qualitative analyses of the interviews with the participants showed that Syrian refugees had a positive view on the content, implementation and format of gPM+. No adverse events were reported during the implementation. The study was not powered to detect an effect. No significant difference between gPM+ and E-CAU group on primary and secondary outcome measures, or in economic impacts were found. CONCLUSIONS gPM+ delivered by non-specialist peer providers seemed to be an acceptable, feasible and safe intervention for Syrian refugees in Turkey with elevated levels of psychological distress. This pilot RCT sets the stage for a fully powered RCT. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03567083 ; date: 25/06/2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Acarturk
- grid.15876.3d0000000106887552Department of Psychology, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - E. Uygun
- grid.24956.3c0000 0001 0671 7131Trauma and Disaster, Mental Health, Bilgi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Z. Ilkkursun
- grid.15876.3d0000000106887552Department of Psychology, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - T. Yurtbakan
- grid.411781.a0000 0004 0471 9346Department of Psychology, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - G. Kurt
- grid.15876.3d0000000106887552Department of Psychology, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - J. Adam-Troian
- grid.411365.40000 0001 2218 0143Department of International Studies, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - I. Senay
- grid.65862.3f0000 0004 0399 5103Department of Psychology, Istanbul Sehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - R. Bryant
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - P. Cuijpers
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology and WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - N. Kiselev
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - D. McDaid
- grid.13063.370000 0001 0789 5319Department of Health Policy, Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - N. Morina
- grid.7400.30000 0004 1937 0650Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Z. Nisanci
- grid.16477.330000 0001 0668 8422Department of Applied Sociology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - A. L. Park
- grid.13063.370000 0001 0789 5319Department of Health Policy, Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - M. Sijbrandij
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology and WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - P. Ventevogel
- grid.475735.70000 0004 0404 6364United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Public Health Section, Genève, Switzerland
| | - D. C. Fuhr
- grid.8991.90000 0004 0425 469XDepartment of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Sahin E, Dagli TE, Acarturk C, Sahin Dagli F. Vulnerabilities of Syrian refugee children in Turkey and actions taken for prevention and management in terms of health and wellbeing. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 119:104628. [PMID: 32739068 PMCID: PMC7388819 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Syrian crisis, which started in March 2011, has resulted in the displacement of 6.3 million refugees predominantly to neighboring countries in addition to the internal displacement of 6.2 million people. Turkey is the country hosting the largest number of refugees in the world with 3.6 million Syrian refugees 46 % of which are under 18 years old. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to conduct a narrative review and analyze the vulnerabilities of refugee children in Turkey from the lens of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), more specifically SDG Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, with a specific focus on Syrian refugee children. Moreover, this article explores the actions taken to prevent and mitigate issues that arise from these vulnerabilities. METHOD This narrative review article collected data from various primary and secondary sources on the Turkish refugee framework including national and international legislation, governmental and non-governmental data and reports, and scientific papers. RESULTS Syrian refugee children in Turkey are facing a variety of risks in terms of their health and wellbeing including communicable and non-communicable diseases, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, family violence, child labor, and child marriage. The measures taken for prevention and response by governmental and non-governmental entities are multilateral and aim to address issues from multiple perspectives including medical, psychosocial, child protection, and legal. CONCLUSIONS The interventions and restructuring of the health system in Turkey contribute to the SDG number 3 for refugee children. The existence of a legal system which enables refugee access to health, protection, and other social services is key to achieve this goal. However, the existing system could be improved especially through solidifying the legal basis and centralizing the implementation for child and refugee protection. The engagement of all stakeholders to improve the health and wellbeing of refugee children remains vital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ecem Sahin
- Child Protection Centers Support Society, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Tolga E Dagli
- Emeritus Prof Department of Pediatric Surgery, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ceren Acarturk
- Department of Psychology, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Figen Sahin Dagli
- Emeritus Prof Department of Pediatrics, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
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Borho A, Morawa E, Schmitt GM, Erim Y. Somatic distress among Syrian refugees with residence permission in Germany: analysis of a cross-sectional register-based study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:896. [PMID: 33975567 PMCID: PMC8114491 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10731-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have already proven high rates of common mental disorders in Syrian refugees. Nevertheless, little is known about the patterns of somatic distress among this refugee population. For this reason, we aimed to examine the prevalence, co-occurrence, and risk factors of somatic distress among Syrian refugees in Germany. METHODS This study analyzes the second measurement point (N = 116) of a prospective register-based survey among 200 adult Syrian refugees with residence permission in Germany. The survey consisted of information on sociodemographic and migration-specific characteristics, health care utilization, traumatic life events, acculturative stress (Barcelona Immigration Stress Scale (BISS); subscales: perceived discrimination, intercultural contact stress, homesickness, and general psychosocial stress), and self-reported outcomes of somatic distress (Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15)), depression (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), and post-traumatic symptoms (Essen Trauma Inventory (ETI)). RESULTS Almost half of the respondents (49.1%) were identified as being at risk of somatic distress (PHQ-15 score ≥ 6), and even 24.1% being bothered by moderate-to-severe levels of somatic distress (PHQ-15 score ≥ 10). The most robust associations with somatic distress were found for female gender, the amount of health care utilization, multiple trauma exposures, general psychosocial stress, and self-reported depression and anxiety symptoms. High comorbidities with somatic distress were shown for all of the common mental disorders studied. CONCLUSIONS The presented study reveals a significant risk of somatic distress among this displaced population and highlights implications for policy and health care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Borho
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Eva Morawa
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Yesim Erim
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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11
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Karyotaki E, Sijbrandij M, Purgato M, Acarturk C, Lakin D, Bailey D, Peckham E, Uygun E, Tedeschi F, Wancata J, Augustinavicius J, Carswell K, Välimäki M, van Ommeren M, Koesters M, Popa M, Leku MR, Anttila M, Churchill R, White R, Al-Hashimi S, Lantta T, Au T, Klein T, Tol WA, Cuijpers P, Barbui C. Self-help plus for refugees and asylum seekers; study protocol for a series of individual participant data meta-analyses. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1930690. [PMID: 34262667 PMCID: PMC8259851 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1930690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Refugees and asylum seekers face various stressors due to displacement and are especially vulnerable to common mental disorders. To effectively manage psychological distress in this population, innovative interventions are required. The World Health Organization (WHO) Self-Help Plus (SH+) intervention has shown promising outcomes in reducing symptoms of common mental disorders among refugees and asylum seekers. However, individual participant differences in response to SH+ remain largely unknown. The Individual Participant Data (IPD) meta-analysis synthesizes raw datasets of trials to provide cutting-edge evidence of outcomes that cannot be examined by conventional meta-analytic approaches. OBJECTIVES This protocol outlines the methods of a series of IPD meta-analyses aimed at examining the effects and potential moderators of SH+ in (a) reducing depressive symptoms at post-intervention and (b) preventing the six-month cumulative incidence of mental disorders in refugees and asylum seekers. METHOD RCTs on SH+ have been identified through WHO and all authors have agreed to share the datasets of the trials. The primary outcomes of the IPD meta-analyses are (a) reduction in depressive symptoms at post-intervention, and (b) prevention of six-month cumulative incidence of mental disorders. Secondary outcomes include post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, well-being, functioning, quality of life, and twelve-month cumulative incidence of mental disorders. One-stage IPD meta-analyses will be performed using mixed-effects linear/logistic regression. Missing data will be handled by multiple imputation. CONCLUSIONS These results will enrich current knowledge about the response to SH+ and will facilitate its targeted dissemination. The results of these IPD meta-analyses will be published in peer-reviewed journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Karyotaki
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology and WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology and WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - 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
| | - Ceren Acarturk
- Department of Psychology, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Daniel Lakin
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Della Bailey
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Emily Peckham
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Ersin Uygun
- Department of Trauma and Disasters, Bilgi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Federico Tedeschi
- 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
| | - Johannes Wancata
- Clinical Division of Social Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jura Augustinavicius
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ken Carswell
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maritta Välimäki
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Mark van Ommeren
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Mariana Popa
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Minna Anttila
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Rachel Churchill
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Ross White
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sarah Al-Hashimi
- Clinical Division of Social Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tella Lantta
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Teresa Au
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Klein
- Department of Psychiatry II, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Wietse A Tol
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology and WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, 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
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12
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Wen K, McGrath M, Acarturk C, Ilkkursun Z, Fuhr DC, Sondorp E, Cuijpers P, Sijbrandij M, Roberts B. Post-traumatic growth and its predictors among Syrian refugees in Istanbul: A mental health population survey. J Migr Health 2020; 1-2:100010. [PMID: 34405165 PMCID: PMC8352006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2020.100010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The negative mental health effects of exposure to trauma are well-documented. However, some individuals are theorized to undergo post-traumatic growth (PTG) after exposure to trauma, potentially experiencing positive psychological change across five domains: appreciation for life, relationships with others, new possibilities in life, personal strength, and spiritual change. PTG is less studied in forcibly displaced populations in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to explore levels of PTG and associated factors among Syrian refugee adults living in Istanbul, Turkey. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1678 respondents. This study analyzed PTG data from 768 individuals as measured by the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Descriptive analysis and univariate and multivariate least squares linear regression modeling were used. Factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha tests assessed the psychometric properties of the PTGI. RESULTS The sample exhibited a moderate level of PTG at 55.94 (SD=22.91, range 0-105). Factor analysis of PTGI revealed only four factors instead of five, and the PTGI yielded high internal reliability (Cronbach's α=0.90). PTG and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had a curvilinear relationship, with the highest PTG levels experienced by those with moderate PTSD levels. Five other variables were significantly associated with PTG: older age, less education, somatic distress, and history of an overnight stay at a health facility for mental health care were associated with lower PTG, while more years of education were associated with higher PTG. CONCLUSIONS This study identified the role of the sociodemographic and psychological determinants that influence post-traumatic growth among Syrian refugees in Istanbul. These findings could be used to inform future research and programs seeking to understand PTG in refugees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Wen
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Public Health and Policy, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, UK
| | | | - Ceren Acarturk
- Department of Psychology, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Daniela C. Fuhr
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Public Health and Policy, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, UK
| | - Egbert Sondorp
- KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, and WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, and WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bayard Roberts
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Public Health and Policy, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, UK
| | - STRENGTHS consortium
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Public Health and Policy, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, UK
- KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, and WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesim Erim
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany.
| | - Julia Schellong
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital of Dresden, Technical University of Dresden, Germany
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