Health

Citation:

Chung, Rita C., Fred Bemak, and Marjorie Kagawa-Singer. 1998. "Gender Differences in Psychological Distress among Southeast Asian Refugees." Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease 186 (2): 112-119.

Authors: Rita C. Chung, Fred Bemak, Marjorie Kagawa-Singer

Abstract:

The focus of this study was to examine gender differences in levels and predictors of psychological distress in a community sample of Southeast Asian refugees. Although previous studies with clinical samples of Southeast Asian refugees have found gender differences in the degree of psychological distress, the few community-based studies have been inconclusive. This community study found that there were gender differences in the predictors of distress and that refugee women reported significantly higher levels of psychological distress than their male counterparts. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Keywords: trauma, female refugees, male refugees, mental health

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Gender, Women, Men, Health, Mental Health, Trauma Regions: Asia, Southeast Asia

Year: 1998

Citation:

Chung, Rita C. 2001. "Psychosocial Adjustment of Cambodian Refugee Women: Implications for Mental Health Counseling." Journal of Mental Health Counseling 23 (2): 115-126.

Author: Rita C. Chung

Abstract:

Discusses psychosocial adjustment issues encountered by female Cambodian refugees relocating in the US, and appropriate psychotherapeutic responses. Such issues include employment, social support, survivor's guilt, acculturative stress, psychological distress and symptom expression, and help-seeking behavior. An appropriate model for working with such clients is the Multi-Level Model of psychotherapy (F. Bemak et al), which involves the 4 interrelated levels of psychoeducation, culturally sensitive psychotherapy, cultural empowerment, and traditional healing methodologies. (PsycINFO Database 2012)

Keywords: female refugees, mental health, counseling

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health Regions: Asia, Southeast Asia Countries: Cambodia

Year: 2001

Citation:

Catolico, Olivia. 1997. "Psychological Well-Being of Cambodian Women in Resettlement." Advances in Nursing Science 19 (4): 75-84.

Author: Olivia Catolico

Abstract:

Current literature focuses on immediate needs of refugees as they flee acute crises. However, the search for refuge extends beyond immediate migration. Refugees confront many issues in resettlement. The experience of traumatic pain and multiple losses coupled with the struggle for survival in a foreign community places them at risk for diminished health and psychological well-being. The notion of recovery extends to the period of resettlement. It is imperative that nursing professionals examine assumptive biases that hinder the care and recovery of refugees. This article seeks to heighten professional awareness about issues that confront Cambodian women in resettlement by examining these biases.

Keywords: female refugees, mental health, resettlement

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, Trauma Regions: Asia, Southeast Asia Countries: Cambodia

Year: 1997

Citation:

Cardozo, Barbara L., Oleg O. Bilukha, Carol A. Gotway, Mitchel I. Wolfe, Michael L. Gerber, and Mark Anderson. 2005. "Report from the CDC: Mental Health of Women in Postwar Afghanistan." Journal of Women's Health 14 (4): 285-93.

Authors: Barbara L. Cardozo, Oleg O. Bilukha, Carol A. Gotway, Mitchel I. Wolfe, Michael L. Gerber, Mark Anderson

Abstract:

More than two decades of war and a culture that has denied women freedom of movement, access to healthcare, and education have affected the mental health status of Afghan women more than that of men. In 2002, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a national population-based mental health survey in Afghanistan. The prevalence of symptoms of depression was 73% (standard error [SE] 8.15) and 59% (SE 5.59), of symptoms of anxiety was 84% (SE 2.98) and 59% (SE 8.65), and of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was 48% (SE 6.19) and 32% (SE 4.22) for female and male respondents, respectively. Mean scores for social functioning were lower for women (52.00 [SE 2.77]) than for men (66.63 [SE 3.92]). Women had significantly lower mental health status and poorer social functioning than did men. Results of our survey underscore the need for financial donors and healthcare planners to address the current lack of mental healthcare resources, facilities, and trained mental healthcare professionals in Afghanistan and to establish mental health services directed at the specific needs of women. This study highlights the negative impact that war, restrictions in freedoms, and socioeconomic hardship have had on the mental health and social functioning of women in Afghanistan.

Keywords: mental health, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, female refugees

Topics: Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, PTSD, Post-Conflict Regions: Asia, South Asia Countries: Afghanistan

Year: 2005

Citation:

Bowen, Deborah J., Lisa Carscadden, Kate Beighle, and India Fleming. 1992. "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among Salvadoran Women: Empirical Evidence and Description of Treatment." Women & Therapy 13 (3): 267-280.

Authors: Deborah J. Bowen, Lisa Carscadden, Kate Beighle, India Fleming

Abstract:

Previous research has documented post-traumatic stress disorder among Salvadoran refugees in this country, but information on refugees living in El Salvador is not available. This study investigated the patterns of psychological distress and documented the existence of PTSD in Salvadoran refugee women in El Salvador. A team of U.S. mental health workers traveled to a refugee camp in El Salvador to interviewwomen about their traumatic experiences and current symptoms of distress. This study provides strongevidence that many refugee women in El Salvador have developed PTSD and that many others show significant signs of distress. Data from this study also provided insight into clinical issues for Salvadoranwomen experiencing PTSD. In response to requests from Salvadoran mental health providers, a treatmentprogram was developed to help Salvadoran women reduce their distress. Goals of the treatment included associating distress with the trauma as a normal reaction to a very abnormal event, reducing feelings of loss of control, reducing "survivor guilt," and lessening anxiety and high arousal level. These goals were accomplished using cognitive-behavioral and community-oriented strategies.

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

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, PTSD, Trauma Regions: Americas, Central America Countries: El Salvador

Year: 1992

Citation:

Bond, E. F. 2004. "Women's Physical and Mental Health Sequellae of Wartime Service." The Nursing Clinics of North America 39 (1): 53-68.

Author: E.F. Bond

Abstract:

War exposes soldiers to many risks; it is one of the most stressful known experiences. Increasing attention is being focused on the impact of war-related experiences on the health of the soldier. There is mounting evidence that men and women differ with respect to their health responses to stress exposure and other health challenges. However, most of our understanding of the effects of war on the subsequent health of the soldier is based on studies primarily or exclusively of men. Women have served as soldiers or support personnel in all US wars. In this article, health consequences of that service are explored. The purpose of this article is to (1) summarize evidence relating to war service and its impact on women's physical and mental health and (2) provide guidance for nurses caring for female soldiers and veterans. The information is based on a review of published and archived literature and on the observations of the author, who served as an army nurse at the 24th Evacuation Hospital, Long Binh, Vietnam, during 1 year (1970 to 1971) of the Vietnam War.

Topics: Combatants, Female Combatants, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, Military Forces & Armed Groups Regions: Americas, North America Countries: United States of America

Year: 2004

Citation:

Betancourt, Theresa S., Robert T. Brennan, Julia Rubin-Smith, Garrett M. Fitzmaurice, and Stephen E. Gilman. 2010. "Sierra Leone's Former Child Soldiers: A Longitudinal Study of Risk, Protective Factors, and Mental Health." Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 49 (6): 606-15.

Authors: Theresa S. Betancourt, Robert T. Brennan, Julia Rubin-Smith, Garrett M. Fitzmaurice, Stephen E. Gilman

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the longitudinal course of internalizing and externalizing problems and adaptive/prosocial behaviors among Sierra Leonean former child soldiers and whether postconflict factors contribute to adverse or resilient mental health outcomes.

METHOD: Male and female former child soldiers (N = 260, aged 10 to 17 years at baseline) were recruited from the roster of an non-governmental organization (NGO)-run Interim Care Center in Kono District and interviewed in 2002, 2004, and 2008. The retention rate was 69%. Linear growth models were used to investigate trends related to war and postconflict experiences.

RESULTS: The long-term mental health of former child soldiers was associated with war experiences and postconflict risk factors, which were partly mitigated by postconflict protective factors. Increases in externalizing behavior were associated with killing/injuring others during the war and postconflict stigma, whereas increased community acceptance was associated with decreases in externalizing problems (b = -1.09). High baseline levels of internalizing problems were associated with being raped, whereas increases were associated with younger involvement in armed groups and social and economic hardships. Improvements in internalizing problems were associated with higher levels of community acceptance and increases in community acceptance (b = -0.86). Decreases in adaptive/prosocial behaviors were associated with killing/injuring others during the war and postconflict stigma, but partially mitigated by social support, being in school and increased community acceptance (b = 1.93).

CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial interventions for former child soldiers may be more effective if they account for postconflict factors in addition to war exposures. Youth with accumulated risk factors, lack of protective factors, and persistent distress should be identified. Sustainable services to promote community acceptance, reduce stigma, and expand social supports and educational access are recommended.

Keywords: child soldiers, mental health

Topics: Age, Youth, Armed Conflict, Combatants, Child Soldiers, Gender, Girls, Boys, Health, Mental Health, Trauma, Military Forces & Armed Groups, NGOs, Post-Conflict, Sexual Violence, Rape, Violence Regions: Africa, West Africa Countries: Sierra Leone

Year: 2010

Citation:

Bar-tal, Yoram, Orit Lurie, and Dov Glick. 1994. "The Effect of Gender on the Stress Process of Israeli Soldiers During the Gulf War." Anxiety, Stress & Coping 7 (3): 263-76.

Authors: Yoram Bar-tal, Orit Lurie, Dov Glick

Abstract:

The study of differences in responses to stress of males and females requires controlling for objective threat or harm. This is very hard to accomplish in field studies because of the different roles of adult males and females. The present study examined this problem in 350 unmarried enlisted male and female soldiers during the Gulf War. The stress, perception of coping effectiveness and psychological distress of subjects were assessed by questionnaires. Results of the interpersonal analysis reveal that females assessed the situation as more stressful, perceived their coping as more effective, and suffered from greater psychological distress than males. The intrapersonal analysis revealed that: (a) stress had stronger negative impact on females than on males, and (b) in two of the five coping strategies, perception of coping effectiveness had less positive effect for females than for males.

Keywords: female soldiers, male soldiers, mental health, stress

Topics: Combatants, Female Combatants, Male Combatants, Gender, Health, Mental Health, Military Forces & Armed Groups, Militaries Regions: MENA, Asia, Middle East Countries: Israel

Year: 1994

Citation:

Baker, Ahmad M.,  and Nadera S. Kevorkian. 1995. "Differential Effects of Trauma on Spouses of Traumatized Households." Journal of Traumatic Stress 8 (1): 61-74.

Authors: Ahmad M. Baker, Nadera S. Kevorkian

Abstract:

The responses of 60 households subjected to varying degrees of traumatic events were examined. Specific attention was given to the differential effect that traumatic events have on spouses, especially in terms of general anxiety, state anxiety, trait anxiety, depression, and other symptoms related to trauma. The findings showed that degree of traumatization was proportional to number and intensity of stress related symptoms. Mothers, however, manifested depression and anxiety levels twice as high as fathers. The validity of these results was discussed in terms of cultural beliefs and practices.

Keywords: family, mental health, anxiety, depression, trauma

Topics: Gender, Women, Men, Health, Mental Health, Trauma Regions: Middle East Countries: Palestine / Occupied Palestinian Territories

Year: 1995

Citation:

Al-Rasheed, Malak. 2004. "Civilian War-Zone Traumas, Complex PTSD, and Psychopathology: The Case of Kuwaiti Women." PhD diss., University of Denver.

Author: Malak Al-Rasheed

Abstract:

Little is known about the long-term effects of civilian war-zone traumas on psychopathology and psychosocial functioning for Kuwaiti women, and none about the application of Herman's theory of complex PTSD cross culturally and across different traumatic scenarios. This dissertation examines exposure and severity of reactions to different war-traumas in relation to the development of complex PTSD and other psychopathological symptoms, and levels of psychosocial functioning among a random sample of Kuwaiti women (N = 683). Participants completed a survey instrument designed to gather demographic data, and measure variables of trauma exposure, complex PTSD, PTSD, different psychopathological symptoms, self-concept, and psychosocial functioning. The results showed higher prevalence rates of complex PTSD (85.6%) vs. PTSD (30%), and high overall psychological distress (75.4%). In addition, a significant relationship between exposure to war-zone traumas and the development of complex PTSDwas found. Finally, women with greater reactions to trauma had greater psychopathological symptoms, and lower psychosocial functioning levels. Severity of reactions to trauma, psychopathology, self-concept, and complex PTSDwere significant predictors of psychosocial functioning levels. The findings imply that expansion of Herman's complex PTSD theory to include war-zone traumas as another case of prolonged trauma is feasible. In addition, complex PTSD could be a better diagnostic category to capture the greater range of reactions to prolonged trauma thanPTSD. Other methodological and cultural validity issues were discussed as well.

Keywords: trauma, female civilians, posttraumatic stress disorder, mental health

Topics: Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, PTSD, Trauma Regions: MENA, Asia, Middle East Countries: Kuwait

Year: 2004