Impact of and Coping with Post-Traumatic Symptoms of Refugees in Temporary Accommodations in Germany: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

Due to pre-, peri- and post-migratory stress factors, refugees often experience higher levels of psychological stress than the general population. Post-traumatic stress disorder, in particular, has an increased prevalence in the refugee population. However, living conditions in the early post-migratory phase are characterized by many challenges. In the present qualitative study, 14 refugees with symptoms of PTSD from temporary accommodations in Germany were interviewed in semi-structured interviews about their individual experiences of the impact of their trauma sequelae symptoms on their current living conditions and interactions. Participants reported dealing with post-traumatic symptoms primarily through distraction strategies, such as working or learning the language or social interaction. Many reported a sense of mistrust as a result of traumatic experiences. Current stress factors cited included uncertain asylum status, worry about family members and lack of ability to influence living situations. The interactions between the post-traumatic symptoms and the living conditions of the refugees were highlighted. The effects of the symptomatology of trauma sequelae and the framework conditions under which refugees live can lead to aggravated psychological distress. Therefore, special attention must be paid to refugee mental health care.

Arabic-language digital interventions for depression in German routine health care are acceptable, but intervention adoption remains a challenge

“…User behavior in DID may differ greatly when compared between study setting and real-world usage 39 . Apart from stigma associated with mental health problems (see above), a general sense of mistrust as a result of traumatic experiences 40 might hinder ASR to engage with a guided DID. A lack of technology literacy among ASR has been identified as another challenge associated with using DID 41 , 42 , but also technological and network issues were causing delay and poor quality of DID 41 and problems with accessing the internet was identified as a common barrier toward DID in Syrian refugees 42 .…”

Implementing Arabic-language digital interventions for depression in German routine health care: log data analysis of the iFightDepression (iFD) tool and awareness website

“…User behavior in DID may differ greatly when compared between study setting and real-world usage 35 . Apart from stigma associated with mental health problems (see above), a general sense of mistrust as a result of traumatic experiences 36 might hinder ASR to engage with a guided DID. A lack of technology literacy among ASR has been identified as another challenge associated with using DID 23,37 , but also technological and network issues were causing delay and poor quality of DID 23 and problems with accessing the internet was identified as a common barrier toward DID in Syrian refugees 37 .…”