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Burr L, Dykxhoorn J, Hollander AC, Dalman C, Kirkbride JB. Refugee status and the incidence of affective psychotic disorders and non-psychotic bipolar disorder: A register-based cohort study of 1.3m people in Sweden. J Affect Disord 2024; 352:43-50. [PMID: 38360360 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Refugees are at increased risk of non-affective psychotic disorders, but it is unclear whether this extends to affective psychotic disorders [APD] or non-psychotic bipolar disorder [NPB]. METHODS We conducted a nationwide cohort study in Sweden of all refugees, non-refugee migrants and the Swedish-born population, born 1 Jan 1984-31 Dec 2016. We followed participants from age 14 years until first ICD-10 diagnosis of APD or NPB. We fitted Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios [HR] and 95 % confidence intervals [95%CI], adjusted for age, sex and family income. Models were additionally stratified by region-of-origin. RESULTS We followed 1.3 million people for 15.1 million person-years, including 2428 new APD cases (rate: 16.0 per 100,000 person-years; 95%CI: 15.4-16.7) and 9425 NPB cases (rate: 63.8; 95%CI: 62.6-65.1). Rates of APD were higher in refugee (HRadjusted: 2.07; 95%CI: 1.55-2.78) and non-refugee migrants (HRadjusted: 1.40; 95%CI: 1.16-1.68), but lower for NPBs for refugee (HRadjusted: 0.24; 95%CI: 0.16-0.38) and non-refugee migrants (HRadjusted: 0.34; 95%CI: 0.28-0.41), compared with the Swedish-born. APD rates were elevated for both migrant groups from Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, but not other regions. Migrant groups from all regions-of-origin experienced lower rates of NPB. LIMITATIONS Income may have been on the causal pathway making adjustment inappropriate. CONCLUSIONS Refugees experience elevated rates of APD compared with Swedish-born and non-refugee migrants, but lower rates of NPB. This specificity of excess risk warrants clinical and public health investment in appropriate psychosis care for these vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christina Dalman
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Greene MC, Busse A, Ventevogel P, Kane J, Ezard N. Moving from feasible to essential: Progress and future directions for promoting the implementation of substance use services for forcibly displaced populations in humanitarian settings. Addiction 2024; 119:408-410. [PMID: 37968774 DOI: 10.1111/add.16386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M Claire Greene
- Program on Forced Migration and Health, Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Anja Busse
- Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Ventevogel
- Public Health Section, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jeremy Kane
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Nadine Ezard
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
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Mateen FJ, Hanafi I, Birbeck GL, Saadi A, Schmutzhard E, Wilmshurst JM, Silsbee H, Jones LK. Neurologic Care of Forcibly Displaced Persons: Emerging Issues in Neurology. Neurology 2023; 100:962-969. [PMID: 36859408 PMCID: PMC10186241 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000206857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a growing number of forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) worldwide. With more than 100 million people forcibly displaced today, there is an urgent mandate to understand the neurologic care needs of this population and how neurologists and other health care workers can most effectively provide that care. In this Emerging Issues in Neurology article, we attempt to (1) define the scope of the problem of providing neurologic care to FDPs, (2) highlight commonly encountered clinical challenges related to neurologic care of FDPs, and (3) provide useful clinical information for neurologists and other clinicians who deliver care to FDPs with neurologic needs. We address the terminology of forcible displacement and how terms may differ across a person's migration journey. Common challenges encountered by FDPs with neurologic needs across settings include loss of support systems, loss of personal health information, language barriers and differing expression of symptoms, differing belief systems, epidemiologic patterns of disease unfamiliar to the clinician, and patients' fear and perceived risks of engaging with health systems. Practical approaches are shared for clinicians who encounter an FDP with a neurologic presentation. Finally, the article discusses many unmet neurologic needs of FDPs, which require significant investment. These include addressing lapses in neurologic care during displacement and understanding the effects of forcible displacement on people with chronic neurologic conditions. Future research and educational resources should focus on improving epidemiologic intelligence for neurologic conditions across geographies, developing curricula for optimizing the neurologic care of FDPs, and evaluating the most appropriate and effective uses of health technologies in humanitarian settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farrah J Mateen
- From the Department of Neurology (F.J.M.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (I.H.), University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (G.L.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (E.S.), Medical University Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Paediatric Neurology (J.M.W.), University of Cape Town, South Africa; American Academy of Neurology (H.S.), Minneapolis, MN; and Department of Neurology (L.K.J.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Ibrahem Hanafi
- From the Department of Neurology (F.J.M.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (I.H.), University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (G.L.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (E.S.), Medical University Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Paediatric Neurology (J.M.W.), University of Cape Town, South Africa; American Academy of Neurology (H.S.), Minneapolis, MN; and Department of Neurology (L.K.J.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Gretchen L Birbeck
- From the Department of Neurology (F.J.M.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (I.H.), University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (G.L.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (E.S.), Medical University Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Paediatric Neurology (J.M.W.), University of Cape Town, South Africa; American Academy of Neurology (H.S.), Minneapolis, MN; and Department of Neurology (L.K.J.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Altaf Saadi
- From the Department of Neurology (F.J.M.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (I.H.), University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (G.L.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (E.S.), Medical University Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Paediatric Neurology (J.M.W.), University of Cape Town, South Africa; American Academy of Neurology (H.S.), Minneapolis, MN; and Department of Neurology (L.K.J.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Erich Schmutzhard
- From the Department of Neurology (F.J.M.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (I.H.), University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (G.L.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (E.S.), Medical University Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Paediatric Neurology (J.M.W.), University of Cape Town, South Africa; American Academy of Neurology (H.S.), Minneapolis, MN; and Department of Neurology (L.K.J.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Jo M Wilmshurst
- From the Department of Neurology (F.J.M.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (I.H.), University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (G.L.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (E.S.), Medical University Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Paediatric Neurology (J.M.W.), University of Cape Town, South Africa; American Academy of Neurology (H.S.), Minneapolis, MN; and Department of Neurology (L.K.J.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Heather Silsbee
- From the Department of Neurology (F.J.M.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (I.H.), University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (G.L.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (E.S.), Medical University Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Paediatric Neurology (J.M.W.), University of Cape Town, South Africa; American Academy of Neurology (H.S.), Minneapolis, MN; and Department of Neurology (L.K.J.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
| | - Lyell K Jones
- From the Department of Neurology (F.J.M.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (I.H.), University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (G.L.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (E.S.), Medical University Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Paediatric Neurology (J.M.W.), University of Cape Town, South Africa; American Academy of Neurology (H.S.), Minneapolis, MN; and Department of Neurology (L.K.J.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Lavdas M, Guribye E, Sandal GM. "Of course, you get depression in this situation": Explanatory Models (EMs) among Afghan refugees in camps in Northern Greece. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:125. [PMID: 36843000 PMCID: PMC9968643 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04613-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Afghan refugees and asylum seekers constitute one of the largest groups that live in camp settings in Greece. While they experience psychological distress, they are facing significant barriers in accessing appropriate mental health care. Explanatory Models (EMs) provide a context-sensitive framework for understanding the differences between health professionals, refugees and NGOs that operate on the field. This study aims at further understanding how Afghan refugees perceive and explain depression and largely psychological distress, and how this influences their choices for coping strategies and help-seeking. METHODS This qualitative study included six vignette-based semi-structured focus-group discussions with Afghan refugees and asylum-seekers (total N = 19, 12 female and 7 male) residing largely in camp settings in Northern Greece. The vignette describes a fictional person with symptoms of depression in line with DSM-5 and ICD-10 criteria. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed through template analysis. RESULTS EMs for depression are explained through Pre-migration Traumatic Experiences (PMTE) and Post-migration Living Difficulties (PMLD) relating to camp settings. Female participants identified gender-based and domestic violence as contributing to psychological distress while males highlighted conflict and persecution. Life in the camp with associated inactivity, and uncertainty for the future, was perceived as a significant risk factor for psychological distress among females and males. In terms of coping strategies, females tended to focus on mobilizing collective resources within the camp (e.g. safe space for women facilitating emotional support), while males advocated for self-empowerment and solution-oriented coping. The value of engagement in peer helper-roles was highlighted. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the potential value of community-based psychosocial approaches to support and promote mental health within camp settings. Additionally, they may inform policies and practices regarding access to appropriate mental health care for Afghan refugees. Further research is needed to establish the efficiency of such interventions in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Lavdas
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Eugene Guribye
- grid.509009.5NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Gro Mjeldheim Sandal
- grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Kane JC, Kamanga M, Skavenski S, Murray LK, Shawa M, Bwalya B, Metz K, Paul R, Mushabati N, Ventevogel P, Haddad S, Kilbane G, Sienkiewicz M, Chibemba V, Chiluba P, Mtongo N, Chibwe M, Figge CJ, Alto M, Mwanza D, Mupinde E, Kakumbi S, Tol WA, Vaughan K, Banda Z, Busse A, Ezard N, Zulu A, Loongo H, Greene MC. Testing a Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment Intervention Approach for Addressing Unhealthy Alcohol and Other Drug Use in Humanitarian Settings: Protocol of the Ukuundapwa Chapamo Randomised Controlled Trial. INTERVENTION (AMSTELVEEN, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 21:58-69. [PMID: 37228642 PMCID: PMC10206531 DOI: 10.4103/intv.intv_21_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Refugees and other displaced persons are exposed to many risk factors for unhealthy alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and concomitant mental health problems. Evidence-based services for AOD use and mental health comorbidities are rarely available in humanitarian settings. In high income countries, screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) systems can provide appropriate care for AOD use but have rarely been used in low- and middle-income countries and to our knowledge never tested in a humanitarian setting. This paper describes the protocol for a randomised controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of an SBIRT system featuring the Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA) to treatment as usual in reducing unhealthy AOD use and mental health comorbidities among refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and host community members in an integrated settlement in northern Zambia. The trial is an individually randomised, single-blind, parallel design with outcomes assessed at 6-months (primary) and 12-months post-baseline. Participants are Congolese refugees and Zambians in the host community, 15 years of age or older with unhealthy alcohol use. Outcomes are: unhealthy alcohol use (primary), other drug use, depression, anxiety and traumatic stress. The trial will explore SBIRT acceptability, appropriateness, cost-effectiveness, feasibility, and reach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy C. Kane
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Muzi Kamanga
- Women in Law and Development in Africa, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Laura K. Murray
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mbaita Shawa
- Women in Law and Development in Africa, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Kristina Metz
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ravi Paul
- University of Zambia School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Peter Ventevogel
- Public Health Section, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Haddad
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Grace Kilbane
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Megan Sienkiewicz
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Nkumbu Mtongo
- Women in Law and Development in Africa, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Caleb J. Figge
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michelle Alto
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David Mwanza
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elizabeth Mupinde
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shira Kakumbi
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Wietse A. Tol
- University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Anja Busse
- United Nations Office on Drug Use and Crime, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nadine Ezard
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - M. Claire Greene
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
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