Impact of Postmigration Living Difficulties on the Mental Health of Afghan Migrants Residing in Istanbul

Alemi, Qais; Stempel, Carl; Baek, Kelly; Lares, Lisa; Villa, P.; Danış, Didem; Montgomery, Susanne

doi:10.1155/2016/7690697

Cited by 25 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Also, the narratives captured in this study, further emphasize other findings from our structured survey [18] highlighting the great frequency with which Afghans in Istanbul have experienced a variety of stressors and deprivations. These include poverty and unemployment, no access to medical care, fear of being returned to Afghanistan, loneliness, isolation, concerns about family back home, and significant exploitation by employers.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 70%

“…countries, yet has no provisions for Afghans [17]. Our recent cross-sectional survey of Afghan migrants in Istanbul shows that exclusionary legal processes for claiming residency, without which one cannot be gainfully employed, may be the basis for the high rates of post-migration living difficulties (poverty, isolation, unemployment, fears of being sent home, asylum challenges) that negatively impact the health and well-being of Afghans [18]. And in a later study, we found that despite their poor mental and physical health status, the precarious conditions in which they live were a plausible reason for their low reported use of professional health services [19].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Qualitative Study Exploring the Psychosocial Needs of Male Undocumented Afghan Migrants in Istanbul, Turkey

2018

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(1) Background: Refugees and asylum-seekers from Afghanistan have been shown to be highly distressed as a result of pre-and post-resettlement traumas. However, little is known about the challenges that Afghan migrants endure while residing in Turkey, a population that has grown at unprecedented rates in recent years, and largely deemed illegal by Turkish asylum and settlement laws; (2) Methods: We conducted interviews with 15 Afghan males residing in Istanbul, Turkey in late 2015. A qualitative content analysis technique informed by Qualitative Description was used to analyze the data; (3) Results: Narratives revealed that motives for migrating to Turkey are driven by both a humanitarian need for protection against persecution and economic deprivation. While they are in transit, we observed that Afghan migrants are victimized, exposed to multiple traumas; and, in Turkey experience poverty, unemployment, and exploitation while living in poor conditions and receive no social assistance. Lastly, interviews revealed that their hopes reflect their motives for migrating, that is, to have a stable life and to support their families back home where ever they end up resettling; and (4) Conclusions: Our qualitative interviews clarified the harrowing and demoralizing transit experiences and the depth of exploitation and precarious living conditions that Afghans currently face. Findings have implications for asylum policies, and for delivering culturally-competent interventions that promote the overall well-being of Afghans in Turkey.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 70%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Qualitative Study Exploring the Psychosocial Needs of Male Undocumented Afghan Migrants in Istanbul, Turkey

2018

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“…These studies indicate that post-migration living difficulties are usually grouped in a few clusters, such as family issues, discrimination, asylum procedure, socioeconomic living conditions, socio-religious aspects, and work-related issues (Laban, Gernaat, Komproe, Van Der Tweel, & De Jong, 2005). Many studies indicated a negative impact that these stressors have on refugees' physical and mental health (Alemi et al, 2016;Hallas, Hansen, Staehr, Munk-Andersen, & Jorgensen, 2007;Laban, Komproe, Gernaat, & de Jong, 2008;Li, Liddell, & Nickerson, 2016;Schweitzer, Melville, Steel, & Lacherez, 2006;Steel, Silove, Bird, & McGorry, 1999).…”

Section: Pre-migration and Post-migration Factorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development and validation of the Stressful Experiences in Transit Questionnaire (SET-Q) and its Short Form (SET-SF)

Purić

Marković

2019

European Journal of Psychotraumatology

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Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that traumatic experiences from countries of origin (so-called pre-migratory factors), as well as stressors in countries of destination (so-called post-migratory factors), are related to the extent of mental health difficulties and psychological well-being of refugees. However, numerous risks that this population is exposed to during transit have so far been neglected. Objective: The aim of this research was to construct and validate a questionnaire for assessing stressful and traumatic experiences in transit as well as its short form, which would at the same time provide information on one's stressful experiences as well as existing risks that refugees are exposed to on their journey. Method: The study was realized in three phasesitem construction, item revision and instrument validation. In the validation phase, a total of 226 refugees completed the Stressful Experiences in Transit Questionnaire (SET-Q), along with Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) Parts I and IV, Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) and Beck Depression Inventory -II (BDI-II). Results: Refugees were exposed to an average of 13 stressful events during transit. SET-Q total score was positively correlated with HTQ Part IV Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Self-Perception of Functioning scales (SPFS) while the number of stressful experiences with the local population was positively related to BDI-II depression symptoms. Moreover, SET-Q scores were significant predictors of PTSD and SPFS even after traumatic experiences in the country of origin, assessed by HTQ Part I, were taken into account. A short form of the questionnaire (SET-SF) has also been developed. Conclusions: SET-Q is a valid instrument for measuring the scope of stressful experiences refugees have been exposed to during transit, targeted for this population specifically. Furthermore, SET-SF has the potential to assess the same extent of stressful experiences with a significantly reduced number of items.

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“…Lack of healthcare at this age may expose women to pregnancy and obstetric complications after birth. Several studies among Afghans, Somalis, Iraqis and Syrian refugees suggest that women face physical and mental health challenges (Alemi et al, 2016;Bogic et al, 2015;Gerritsen et al, 2006;Ghumman et al, 2016;Hassan et al, 2016;Lillee et al, 2015;Maximova & Krahn, 2010;Taylor et al, 2014). A study by Hassan et al (2016) suggested that Syrian women experienced a wide range of mental health problems because of the war and immigration.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Peer Review #1 of "The health-related quality of life of Syrian refugee women in their reproductive age (v0.2)"

2020

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Background. Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) for refugee women in reproductive age is highly affected by physical, political, psychosocial and environmental conditions in countries of asylum. HRQoL is enormously affected by the satisfaction of this vulnerable group with the physical, psychological, emotional and social care services provided in this critical time. Therefore, this study aimed toassess the HRQoL among Syrian refugee women of reproductive age living outside camps in Jordan. Methods. A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with a convenience sample of 523 Syrian refugee women in the host communities in Jordan.Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was measured using the short-form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Results. Significant negative correlations were found between SF-36 individual subscales score and the length of marriage, the number of children, parity and family income. The strongest correlations were between pain scale and length of marriage (r =-.21), and between Energy/Fatigue and 'number of children' (r =-.21). Conversely, antenatal care was positively correlated with physical, role emotional, pain, and general health. Physical functioning and general health were predicted significantly with less years of marriage, younger age at marriage, less violence and by higher family income. Conclusion. This study suggests low HRQoL scores for women of reproductive age across all domains. Several factors such as years of marriage, age at marriage, the number of children, violence, antenatal care and family income affected the women's general health. The provision of appropriate and accessible reproductive and maternal healthcare services in antenatal visits is critical for ensuring the immediate and long-term health and wellbeing of refugee women and their families.

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Impact of Postmigration Living Difficulties on the Mental Health of Afghan Migrants Residing in Istanbul

Cited by 25 publications

References 28 publications

A Qualitative Study Exploring the Psychosocial Needs of Male Undocumented Afghan Migrants in Istanbul, Turkey

A Qualitative Study Exploring the Psychosocial Needs of Male Undocumented Afghan Migrants in Istanbul, Turkey

Development and validation of the Stressful Experiences in Transit Questionnaire (SET-Q) and its Short Form (SET-SF)

Peer Review #1 of "The health-related quality of life of Syrian refugee women in their reproductive age (v0.2)"

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