Associations of psychological inflexibility with posttraumatic stress disorder and adherence to COVID-19 control measures among refugees in Uganda: The moderating role of coping strategies

Baluku, Martin Mabunda; Nansubuga, Florence; Kibanja, Grace; Ouma, Samuel Gurrion; Balikoowa, Richard; Nansamba, Joyce; Ruto, Grace; Kawooya, Kenneth; Musanje, Khamisi

doi:10.1016/j.jcbs.2023.05.002

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 72 publications

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“…The first examines the role of psychological capital and coping strategies in boosting refugees’ mental health and quality of life during the pandemic [ 63 ]. The second interrogates the moderating role of coping strategies in the association of psychological inflexibility with post-traumatic stress disorder and adherence to COVID-19 control measures [ 70 ]. The current study differs from these by highlighting the serial mediation process through which psychological inflexibility could have negatively affected the quality of life of refugees during the pandemic, with particular attention to avoidance coping, perceived threat, and lowered mental health as the mediating links.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Adherence to COVID-19 control measures . We developed a measure to assess adherence to COVID-19 control restrictions [ 80 ] following the structure of the Morisky Medical adherence questionnaire [ 81 ]. The questionnaire assesses the level of adherence to COVID-19 control measures, including frequent handwashing with soap, using sanitizers, wearing facemasks, social distancing, and self-isolation.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This is essential to buffering against mental health challenges associated with pandemics and critical for improving adherence to control measures. However, refugees face the language barrier challenge and thus often feel left out on critical communications about the pandemic [19,20], which might have exacerbated the feeling of discrimination, given that COVID-19 also led to a rise in cases of xenophobia and social stigmatization [9,21,22]. All these issues directly affect the psychological health and QoL of refugees, who were already suffering from pre and post-migration stress associated with settling in the host community [23].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Serially mediated effects of psychological inflexibility on quality of life of refugees in Uganda during coronavirus pandemic

Baluku,

Ssebagala,

Mukula

et al. 2023

PLOS Glob Public Health

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The unexpected outbreak and rapid spread of COVID-19 necessitated radical and stringent control measures, consequently changing how people live globally. To vulnerable populations like refugees, who were already living a disrupted life, the outbreak of COVID-19 and accompanying control measures complicated their living conditions and drastically affected their mental health and, consequently, their quality of life. The current study aimed to test whether psychological inflexibility was a factor in lowering the quality of life of refugees in Uganda during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study further examines whether the effects of psychological inflexibility on quality of life were serially mediated by avoidance coping, perceived threat, adherence to COVID-19 control measures, and general mental health states. The study was conducted among refugees living in Kampala city suburbs and Bidibidi refugee settlement in Uganda. Data was collected using a survey questionnaire during the partial reopening of the economy in mid-2020, after the first lockdown. The analysis assesses a serial mediation model of the effects of psychological inflexibility on the quality of life of refugees through avoidance coping, perceived threat, adherence to COVID-19 control measures, and mental health using PROCESS Macro. The study involved 353 participants. Our analyses revealed that psychological inflexibility was negatively associated with the perceived threat, adherence, and quality of life. Psychological inflexibility was positively associated with avoidance coping and poor mental health. The data supported all hypothesized mediation paths. These findings support literature suggesting that psychological inflexibility is a maladaptive attribute that thwarts positive coping and behavior adjustment in times of crisis. Consequently, psychological inflexibility can worsen mental health problems and quality of life, especially in populations such as refugees in low-income countries who live in precarious conditions. Incorporating interventions that reduce psychological inflexibility in crisis management efforts can help refugees maintain good psychological functioning and quality of life.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Serially mediated effects of psychological inflexibility on quality of life of refugees in Uganda during coronavirus pandemic

Baluku,

Ssebagala,

Mukula

et al. 2023

PLOS Glob Public Health

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Psychosocial well-being and mental health of low- and middle-income countries’ internally displaced persons and refugees during COVID-19: a systematic literature review

Amodu,

Janes,

Pangan

2024

Camb. prisms Glob. ment. health

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Background The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the need to address the psychosocial and mental health needs of refugees and internally displaced persons in low- and middle-income countries. COVID-19 prevention measures slowed essential services and healthcare, creating unique challenges for refugees and IDPs, including economic insecurity and societal instability. All of these factors may contribute to the reported declines in their psychosocial well-being. Methods To effectively define the problems of low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) in addressing the needs of these populations, we conducted a systematic literature review of literature on the mental health and psychosocial well-being of refugees and displaced persons who have migrated between LMICs in the context of COVID-19. Findings Our findings indicate that mental health interventions, such as digital healthcare and community-focused solutions, have the potential to address the problems faced by refugees and IDPs. Nevertheless, these community-based support networks are overextended, continuously developing to meet the needs of these vulnerable populations while considering the limited digital literacy of the subject population, internet accessibility, and overall limits in reach. We found that the efficacy of interventions varied according to the distinctive needs and challenges of various refugee and IDP populations. Implications The findings indicate a need for an intersectional policy approach to address the complex network of factors influencing mental health outcomes, including gender, housing, employment status, and social inequalities. Global agencies, policymakers, and local governments must prioritize the development of comprehensive mental health support systems, assuring refugees and IDPs have sustainable and equitable access.

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Associations of psychological inflexibility with posttraumatic stress disorder and adherence to COVID-19 control measures among refugees in Uganda: The moderating role of coping strategies

Cited by 2 publications

References 72 publications

Serially mediated effects of psychological inflexibility on quality of life of refugees in Uganda during coronavirus pandemic

Serially mediated effects of psychological inflexibility on quality of life of refugees in Uganda during coronavirus pandemic

Psychosocial well-being and mental health of low- and middle-income countries’ internally displaced persons and refugees during COVID-19: a systematic literature review

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