Impact of traumatic events incurred by asylum-seekers on mental health and utilization of medical services

Siman‐Tov, Maya; Bodas, Moran; Wang, Alex; Alkan, Michael; Adini, Bruria

doi:10.1186/s13049-019-0665-8

Cited by 9 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…This supports previous findings that asylum seekers who crossed the Sinai desert were victims of a wide range of traumas [6]. They were found to be at high risk for mental health problems [46], and prolonged exposure to traumatic events greatly increased their risk of developing PTSD [47]. Similar risk was found in asylum seekers from various countries in Switzerland, who had experienced or witnessed torture [48].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

“…This supports previous findings that experiencing trauma in more than one location increases risk for PTSD and other disorders among asylum seekers [55,56]. Experiencing a traumatic event in the Sinai desert conferred risk for PTSD, underscoring the severe and prolonged injuries suffered by the asylum seekers in Sinai [6,47]. However, experiencing an additional traumatic event elsewhere along the asylum seekers' journey did not increase this risk further.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

“…Surprisingly, victims of trauma in Sinai with PTSD reported fewer hospitalizations than those without PTSD. This may suggest resilience, although factors such as socio-demographic and ecological variations in their post-migratory environment, possible alternatives to psychiatric admission, like the Open Clinic of Physicians for Human Rights [47], and traditional healers and religious leaders [36,74] may explain this finding.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Mental Health Care of Asylum Seekers

Youngmann

Bachner‐Melman

Lev‐Ari

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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Asylum seekers in Israel from East Africa frequently experienced traumatic events along their journey, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula, where they were subjected to trafficking and torture. Exposure to trauma has implications for rights that are contingent on refugee status. This retrospective chart review aimed to characterize the types of traumas experienced by 219 asylum seekers (149 men) from Eritrea and Sudan who sought treatment at a specialized mental health clinic in Israel, and to compare the mental health of trauma victims (n = 168) with that of non-trauma victims (n = 53). About 76.7% of the asylum seekers had experienced at least one traumatic event, of whom 56.5% were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Most reported traumas were experienced en route in the Sinai, rather than in the country of origin or Israel. Few clinical differences were observed between trauma victims and non-trauma victims, or between trauma victims with and without a PTSD diagnosis. Our findings emphasize the importance of accessibility to mental and other health services for asylum seekers. Governmental policies and international conventions on the definition of human trafficking may need to be revised, as well as asylum seekers’ rights and access to health services related to visa status.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Mental Health Care of Asylum Seekers

Youngmann

Bachner‐Melman

Lev‐Ari

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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“…Effective screening and identification of persons in need of services may improve the immediate and long-term health of asylum seekers [ 38 , 39 ]. Referral should be made as soon as possible as delayed treatment may increase the risk of developing mental health disorders [ 40 ]. In addition, it is important to address any barriers to accessing necessary services [ 41 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mental Health and Traumatization of Newly Arrived Asylum Seeker Adults in Finland: A Population-Based Study

Garoff

Skogberg

Klemettilä

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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Asylum seekers frequently experience potentially traumatic events (PTEs), but the type and frequency vary depending on the country of origin. The cumulative effect of multiple PTEs and other stressors expose asylum seekers to a significant risk of mental ill health. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of PTEs, depression and anxiety symptoms, risk for psychological trauma, psychotropic medication use and previous mental health diagnoses among adult asylum seekers in the Asylum Seekers Health and Wellbeing (TERTTU) Survey (n = 784 respondents, participation rate 78.6%). A substantial majority (88.7%, 95% CI 86.9–90.3) of asylum seekers reported one or more PTEs before arriving to Finland. PTEs during the asylum-seeking journey were reported at 12.0% (95% CI 10.7–13.4), however, when examined by region of origin, the proportion was 34.5% (95% CI 29.5–39.8) for asylum seekers from Africa (excluding North Africa). Significant symptoms of depression were reported by 41.7% (95% CI 39.6–43.9) of asylum seekers and symptoms of anxiety by 34.2% (95% CI 32.1–36.2). Half of the asylum seekers were assessed as having at least a medium-risk for psychological trauma. Prevalence rates were higher among females and asylum seekers from Africa. This study highlights the importance of using screening tools to identify asylum seekers with severe mental health problems that may need referral to further assessment and treatment. Asylum seekers from Africa (excluding North Africa) should be given additional attention in initial health screenings and examinations.

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“…Various factors contribute to the mental health of prisoners, including sociodemographic factors, sentence conditions, the prison environment, and external factors. Sociodemographic factors such as education level, employment, and drug addiction also play significant roles [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30], as do trauma, feelings of shame, and physical health issues [31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceived anxiety and depression and associated factors among women inmates with a long-term sentence in Thailand

Sunpuwan,

Thaweesit,

Tangchonlatip

2024

PLoS ONE

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Background In Thailand, the growing prevalence of mental health problems among the increasing number of adult female prisoners has emerged as a significant public health concern. However, studies on the health of women prisoners are primarily conducted in Western societies, and studies in other countries are rare. Thailand, a non-western country, is no exception to this. Objectives The objectives of this study were to assess the current levels of anxiety and depression among women drug offenders in Thailand and to identify possible associated factors. Methods Data were collected from a sample consisting of 554 women drug offenders serving sentences of eight years or more. Stratified random sampling with proportionate stratification was employed during the data collection. The female inmates were being held in three categories of prisons: correctional institutions, central prisons, and provincial prisons. A single question was used to measure self-perceived levels of anxiety and depression: none, moderate, or substantial. Ordered logit regression was employed in the data analysis. Findings One out of five (21.1%) of the inmates in the sample reported no perceived current anxiety and depression, 61.7% reported moderate anxiety and depression, and 17.1% reported having substantial perceived levels of anxiety and depression. It was found that chronic health conditions or disease, concerns about economic status, and feelings of shame were associated with the perceived anxiety and depression reported by the inmates. Conclusion The study’s findings suggest that integrated mental health services that emphasize a holistic approach that acknowledges the intersectionality of women’s mental health and societal gender roles should be provided in prisons. Regular mental health screening and accessible mental health services are essential for all incarcerated women. Empowerment programs during confinement can boost self-esteem and thus lead to better post-release outcomes. The government should also implement programs to alleviate the financial burden on prisoners’ households.

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Impact of traumatic events incurred by asylum-seekers on mental health and utilization of medical services

Cited by 9 publications

References 25 publications

Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Mental Health Care of Asylum Seekers

Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Mental Health Care of Asylum Seekers

Mental Health and Traumatization of Newly Arrived Asylum Seeker Adults in Finland: A Population-Based Study

Perceived anxiety and depression and associated factors among women inmates with a long-term sentence in Thailand

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