Refugees

Citation:

Sundquist, Kristina, Leena-Maria Johansson, Valeri DeMarinis, Sven-Erik Johansson, Jan Sundquist. 2005. "Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Psychiatric Co-Morbidity: Symptoms in a Random Sample of Female Bosnian Refugees." European Psychiatry 20 (2): 158-164.

Authors: Kristina Sundquist, Leena-Maria Johansson, Valeri DeMarinis, Sven-Erik Johansson, Jan Sundquist

Abstract:

Objectives: This study investigated psychological symptoms in Bosnian women 3–4 years after their arrival in Sweden.

Subjects and methods: A simple random sample of 163 Bosnian women aged 19–59 was drawn from the Swedish populations register in 1996. The control group consisted of 392 Swedish-born women. Data were collected in face-to-face interviews. The Hopkins Symptom Checklist 25 (HSCL-25) and the Posttraumatic Symptom Scale (PTSS-10) were used to measure psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychological distress, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) for psychological symptoms after adjustment for age, country of birth, education, marital status, economic difficulties, social network, and feeling secure.

Results: The prevalence of symptoms of PTSD was 28.3% among the Bosnian women. Bosnian women had significantly higher risks of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress than Swedish-born women. For depression the odds ratio was 9.50 among Bosnian women.

Conclusion: Psychiatric community interventions need to target Bosnian refugee women. Awareness among health-care workers who encounter these women in a clinical setting should be improved.

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

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, PTSD, Trauma Regions: Europe, Balkans, Eastern Europe, Nordic states, Northern Europe Countries: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Sweden

Year: 2005

Citation:

Schmidt, Martina, Nera Kravic, and Ulrike Ehlert. 2008. "Adjustment to Trauma Exposure in Refugee, Displaced, and Non-Displaced Bosnian Women." Archives of Women's Mental Health 11 (4): 269-76.

Authors: Martina Schmidt, Nera Kravic, Ulrike Ehlert

Abstract:

The war in Bosnia resulted in the displacement of millions of civilians, most of them women. Ten years after the civil war, many of them are still living as refugees in their country of origin or abroad. Research on different refugee groups has continuously reported persistent levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental-health problems in this population. The present study compared PTSD and self-concept in Bosnian refugee women ( n = 29) with women who were internally displaced (IDP; n = 26) and non-displaced women ( n = 32). Data were collected using the Bosnian Trauma Questionnaire and four scales assessing self-esteem, perceived incompetence, externality of control attribution, and persistence. IDPs scored significantly higher on PTSD symptoms, externality of control attribution and perceived incompetence, and lower on self-esteem than both refugee and non-displaced women. The level of education most strongly predicted PTSD symptom severity, followed by the type of displacement, and exposure to violence during the war. Associations of self-concept with displacement and psychopathology were inconsistent, with type of displacement predicting control attributions but not other aspects of self-concept and PTSD symptoms being partly related to perceived incompetence and self-esteem. These results support previous findings stating that, in the long run, refugees show better mental health than IDPs, and that witnessing violence is a traumatic experience strongly linked to the development of PTSD symptoms. Results further indicate that education plays an important role in the development of PTSD symptoms. Associations of control attributions and type of displacement were found; these results have not been previously documented in literature.

Keywords: trauma, female refugees, internally displaced people, mental health, posttraumatic stress disorder, female civilians

Topics: Displacement & Migration, IDPs, Refugees, Gender, Women, Health, PTSD Regions: Europe, Balkans Countries: Bosnia & Herzegovina

Year: 2008

Citation:

Rozée, Patricia D., and Gretchen Van Boemel. 1990. "The Psychological Effects of War Trauma and Abuse on Older Cambodian Refugee Women." Women & Therapy 8 (4): 23-50.

Authors: Patricia D. Rozée, Gretchen Van Boemel

Abstract:

The paper discusses the life experiences of a group of older women about whom little is known: Cambodian refugees. Interview data demonstrate the superiority of environmental stress theories over psychodynamic theory in explaining non-organic blindness among this population. Subjective visual acuity was significantly related to years of servitude/internment (including forced labor, starvation, physical and sexual abuse and execution of loved ones) in communist camps during and after the fall of Cambodia in 1975. Onset of visual loss following these traumas, preceded by healthy pre-trauma functioning, suggests environmental rather than intrapsychic etiology. Physical and psychological abuse of Cambodian women during and after the fall of Cambodia is examined in depth. Suggestions for culturally-relevant interventions are discussed.

Keywords: trauma, female refugees, mental health, sexual abuse

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, Trauma, Sexual Violence, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Regions: Asia, Southeast Asia Countries: Cambodia

Year: 1990

Citation:

Robertson, Cheryl L., Linda Halcon, Kay Savik, David Johnson, Marline Spring, James Butcher, Joseph Westermeyer, and James Jaranson. 2006. "Somali and Oromo Refugee Women: Trauma and Associated Factors." Journal of Advanced Nursing 56 (6): 577-87.

Authors: Cheryl L. Robertson, Linda Halcon, Kay Savik, David Johnson, Marline Spring, James Butcher, Joseph Westermeyer, James Jaranson

Abstract:

Aim: This paper reports a study identifying the demographic characteristics, self-reported trauma and torture prevalence, and association of trauma experience and health and social problems among Somali and Oromo women refugees.

Background: Nearly all refugees have experienced losses, and many have suffered multiple traumatic experiences, including torture. Their vulnerability to isolation is exacerbated by poverty, grief, and lack of education, literacy, and skills in the language of the receiving country.

Method: Using data from a cross-sectional population-based survey, conducted from July 1999 to September 2001, with 1134 Somali and Oromo refugees living in the United States of America, a sub-sample of female participants with clearly identified parenting status (n = 458) were analysed. Measures included demographics, history of trauma and torture, scales for physical, psychological, and social problems, and a post-traumatic stress symptom checklist.

Finding: Results indicated high overall trauma and torture exposure, and associated physical, social and psychological problems. Women with large families reported statistically significantly higher counts of reported trauma (mean 30, P < 0·001) and torture (mean 3, P < 0·001), and more associated problems (P < 0·001) than the other two groups. Women who reported higher levels of trauma and torture were also older (P < 0·001), had more family responsibilities, had less formal education (P < 0·001) and were less likely to speak English (P < 0·001).

Conclusion: These findings suggest a need for nurses, and especially public health nurses who work with refugee and immigrant populations in the community, to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the range of refugee women's experiences and the continuum of needs post-migration, particularly among older women with large family responsibilities. Nurses, with their holistic framework, are ideally suited to partner with refugee women to expand their health agenda beyond the biomedical model to promote healing and reconnection with families and communities.

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

Topics: Age, Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Gender, Women, Gender-Based Violence, Health, Mental Health, PTSD, Trauma, Torture Regions: Africa, East Africa Countries: Somalia

Year: 2006

Citation:

Renner, Walter, and Ingrid Salem. 2009. "Post-Traumatic Stress in Asylum Seekers and Refugees from Chechnya, Afghanistan, and West Africa: Gender Differences in Symptomatology and Coping." International Journal of Social Psychiatry 55 (2): 99-108.

Authors: Walter Renner, Ingrid Salem

Abstract:

Background: Internationally, a high number of refugees are in need of help as a consequence of post-traumatic stress or acculturation problems.

Aims: The present study investigated the gender-specific requirements for such interventions taking clinical symptoms as well as coping strategies into account. 

Methods: Five psychometric instruments assessing anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, somatic symptoms, and social adaptation were administered and semi-structured interviews with n = 150 asylum seekers and refugees from Chechnya, Afghanistan, and West Africa were conducted.

Results: On the level of total test scores, women reported significantly more somatic symptoms than men but there were no further gender differences. On the item level of the questionnaires as well as with respect to the categories obtained from the interview data, marked gender differences were found. Women, as compared to men, reported more somatic symptoms, emotional outbursts, and loss of sexual interest, while men reported detachment. For women, typical coping strategies were concentrating on their children and various indoor activities, while men preferred looking for work and socializing. 

Conclusion: Social psychiatric interventions should take gender-specific symptoms and coping strategies into account. For asylum seekers and refugees, same gender client-therapist dyads and groups are highly recommended.

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

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Gender, Health, Mental Health, PTSD, Trauma Regions: Africa, West Africa, Asia, South Asia, Europe Countries: Afghanistan, Russian Federation

Year: 2009

Citation:

Nilsson, Johanna E., Chris Brown, Emily B. Russell, Supavan Khamphakdy-Brown. 2008. "Acculturation, Partner Violence, and Psychological Distress in Refugee Women from Somalia." Journal of Interpersonal Violence 23 (11): 1654-63.

Authors: Johanna E. Nilsson, Chris Brown, Emily B. Russell, Supavan Khamphakdy-Brown

Abstract:

This study examined the relations among acculturation, domestic violence, and mental health in 62 married refugee women from Somalia. Refugees from Somalia constituted the largest group of refugees entering the United States in 2005, and little is known about the presence of domestic violence in this group. The results showed that women who reported greater ability to speak English also reported more experiences of partner psychological abuse and physical aggression. Experiences of more psychological abuse and physical aggressions also predicted more psychological distress. Implications for future research and psychological services are addressed.

Keywords: mental health, female refugees, domestic violence

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Domestic Violence, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health Regions: Africa, East Africa, Americas, North America Countries: Somalia, United States of America

Year: 2008

Citation:

Nicholson, Barbara L., and Diane M. Kay. 1999. "Group Treatment of Traumatized Cambodian Women: A Culture-Specific Approach." Social Work 44 (5): 470-479.

Authors: Barbara L. Nicholson, Diane M. Kay

Keywords: trauma, counseling, mental health

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, Trauma, Humanitarian Assistance, Context-Appropriate Response to Trauma Regions: Asia, Southeast Asia Countries: Cambodia

Year: 1999

Citation:

Mattson, Susan. 1993. "Mental Health of Southeast Asian Refugee Women: An Overview." Health Care for Women International 14 (2): 155-165.

Author: Susan Mattson

Abstract:

Southeast Asian refugee women suffered extremely traumatic experiences at the hands of the Khmer Rouge, during their escapes from Cambodia and Laos, and in refugee camps. I describe these experiences as the background for interventions to promote and reestablish mental health in these women. A reported study of women who were experiencing psychosomatic blindness as a result of the trauma they had undergone is presented as an example. Therapeutic strategies are suggested.

Keywords: mental health, female refugees, trauma

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

Year: 1993

Citation:

Loewy, Michael I., DiAnna T. Williams, and Aster Keleta. 2002. "Group Counseling with Traumatized East African Refugee Women in the United States." The Journal for Specialists in Group Work 27 (2): 173-191.

Authors: Michael I. Loewy, DiAnna T. Williams, Aster Keleta

Abstract:

The Kaffa ceremony is a unique, culturally appropriate, group counseling intervention for female East African refugees. A counseling group is described in which the Kaffa ceremony was instrumental in helping to bridge the gap between Western counseling and East African culture, providing a context for the group members to resolve long-held trauma. Stages of group process and therapeutic factors are identified and ethical concerns are addressed. Recommendations for incorporating the Kaffa Intervention into professional practice with this population, as well as relevant information about the cultures, are provided.

Keywords: mental health, female refugees, trauma, counseling

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health, Trauma, Humanitarian Assistance, Context-Appropriate Response to Trauma Regions: Africa, East Africa, Americas, North America Countries: United States of America

Year: 2002

Citation:

Locke, Catherine J., Karen Southwick, Lauren A. McCloskey, and Maria Eugenia Fernández-Esquer. 1996. "The Psychological and Medical Sequelae of War in Central American Refugee Mothers and Children." Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine 150 (8): 822-28.

Authors: Catherine. J. Locke, Karen Southwick, Lauren. A. McCloskey, Maria Eugenia Fernández-Esquer

Abstract:

Objective: To investigate the physical and mainly psychological sequelae of exposure to war in Central American children and their mothers who immigrated to the United States on average 4 years before the study began.

Design: Interview study.

Participants: Twenty-two immigrant Central American women caretakers and 1 of their children aged 5 to 13 years.

Main Outcome Measures: Standardized and new measures were administered to assess children's physical and mental health symptoms and exposure to political violence.

Results: Eighteen of the 22 children had chronic health problems. Fifteen children and all of the adults had observed traumatic events, including bombings and homicides. Thirteen of the children showed mental health symptom profiles above established norms, although only 2 met the criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder according to their own reports. Many of the caretakers were unaware of their child's psychological distress. Four of the mothers exhibited posttraumatic stress disorder, and their symptoms predicted their child's mental health.

Conclusions: Pediatricians are sometimes the first and only contacts these families have with health care providers. Caretakers' reports of children's mental health are often incomplete. It is therefore important for physicians to probe for "hidden" symptoms in refugee children. These family members may need referrals to social and psychological services, and pediatricians can open the gates to existing community networks of support. Because we found that maternal mental health influences the child's, the child's interests are well served when pediatricians also encourage the mother to contact services for herself if she confides that she is experiencing some of the severe psychological sequelae reported by the women in this study.

Keywords: female refugees, refugee children, mental health, trauma

Topics: Age, Youth, Displacement & Migration, Refugees, Gender, Women, Girls, Boys, Health, Mental Health, PTSD, Trauma, Violence Regions: Americas, Central America

Year: 1996