No abstract

Key Points Question How does posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) change during a 1-year period in female refugees who survived mass atrocities, and what factors are associated with PTSD course? Findings This cohort study with 116 female refugee survivors of captivity and genocide found high PTSD severity 2 years after resettlement in Germany with no significant change 1 year later. Factors associated with severe PTSD were earlier symptoms of intrusions and longer time spent in traumatic situations, whereas strengthening in faith and social relationships were associated with symptom relief over time. Meaning This study suggests that female refugee survivors of genocide and captivity are at high risk for severe and chronic PTSD beyond the initial years of resettlement.

No abstract

Background Traumatized refugees often suffer from diverse psychosomatic symptoms. Female Yazidi refugees from Northern Iraq who survived attacks of the so-called "Islamic State" were brought to Germany to receive special medical and psychotherapeutic treatment in a unique worldwide humanitarian admission program (HAP). Here, we report on their psychosomatic symptoms and helpful strategies from the perspective of care providers. Methods Care providers (N = 84) in this HAP were interviewed in an individual setting as well as in focus groups to gather information about the HAP beneficiaries' psychosomatic symptoms. Data analysis followed Qualitative Content Analysis by Mayring. Results The care providers reported five main psychological burdens of the Yazidis: 1) insecurity regarding loss, 2) worries about family members, 3) ambivalence about staying in Germany or returning to Iraq, 4) life between two worlds and 5) re-actualization of the traumatic experiences. The predominant psychological symptoms the care providers noticed were fear, depressive symptoms, feelings of guilt, and sleep and eating disorders. Regarding somatic symptoms, the care providers mainly received complaints about pain in the head, back, chest and stomach. Helpful strategies for providing adequate health care were care providers' cooperating with physicians, precise documentation of beneficiaries' symptoms, and additional support in directing the beneficiaries through the health care system. Regarding psychotherapy, interpreters help to overcome language barriers, onsite psychotherapy,

Zusammenfassung Familienhebammen haben eine wichtige Rolle in der gesundheitlichen und psychosozialen Versorgung von Familien in belasteten Lebenslagen. Eine qualitative Befragung von Familienhebammen in Berlin weist auf die Bedeutung der Informations- und Lotsinnenfunktion der Familienhebammen für geflüchtete Familien hin. Sie ermöglichen Zugänge und sorgen für Versorgungskontinuität rund um Schwangerschaft und Geburt. Die Kooperationsstrukturen mit Frauen- und Kinderärzt:innen sollten gestärkt werden.