Evaluating Health Realization for Coping Among Refugee Women

Citation:

Halcón, Linda. L., Cheryl L. Robertson, and Karen A. Monsen. 2010. "Evaluating Health Realization for Coping Among Refugee Women." Journal of Loss and Trauma 15 (5): 408-425.

Authors: Linda L. Halcón, Cheryl L. Robertson, Karen A. Monsen

Abstract:

Many East African refugee women have experienced torture and trauma while fleeing from their home countries. Many also experience high rates of isolation, depression, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder after resettlement. Effective methods are needed for improving the mental well-being of this population. This pilot study (N = 19) tested the feasibility, accessibility, and acceptability of a strengths-based, community-delivered intervention with Somali and Ethiopian women refugees. Feasibility was established through recruitment, retention, participation, and participant response. Accessibility was established through providing meals, transportation, and child-care assistance. Acceptability was established through evaluating translated materials, cultural congruence, and perceived relevance. Results support testing in a full-scale controlled study.

Keywords: mental health, female refugees, posttraumatic stress disorder, trauma, torture

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Refugee/IDP Camps, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, PTSD, Trauma, Humanitarian Assistance, Context-Appropriate Response to Trauma Regions: Africa, East Africa Countries: Ethiopia, Somalia

Year: 2010