Mental health care utilisation and access among refugees and asylum seekers in Europe: A systematic review

Satinsky, Emily N.; Fuhr, Daniela C.; Woodward, Aniek; Sondorp, Egbert; Roberts, Bayard

doi:10.1016/j.healthpol.2019.02.007

Cited by 340 publications

(326 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…This suggests that it is interactions with the host population, specifically, that relate to distress and life satisfaction. The relationship between German language ability and our outcome measures underscore the importance of addressing the language barrier in refugees' access to mental health services [62]. If those with lower levels of German language ability are more distressed, the language barrier is an even more pressing issue.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Living Conditions and the Mental Health and Well-being of Refugees: Evidence from a Large-Scale German Survey

Walther

Fuchs

Schupp

et al. 2020

J Immigrant Minority Health

112

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Refugees are at an increased risk of mental health problems and low subjective well-being. Living circumstances in the host country are thought to play a vital role in shaping these health outcomes, which, in turn, are prerequisites for successful integration. Using data from a representative survey of 4325 adult refugees who arrived in Germany between 2013 and 2016, we investigated how different living conditions, especially those subject to integration policies, are associated with psychological distress and life satisfaction using linear regression models. Our findings show that an uncertain legal status, separation from family, and living in refugee housing facilities are related to higher levels of distress and decreased life satisfaction. Being employed, contact to members of the host society, and better host country language skills, by contrast, are related to reduced distress and higher levels of life satisfaction. These associations should inform decision making in a highly contested policy area.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Living Conditions and the Mental Health and Well-being of Refugees: Evidence from a Large-Scale German Survey

Walther

Fuchs

Schupp

et al. 2020

J Immigrant Minority Health

112

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“…Low MHPSS utilisation has been reported before (Morina and Emmelkamp, 2012;Chikovani et al, 2015;Roberts et al, 2017). A recent systematic review also highlighted that barriers to accessing mental health care for refugees and asylum seekers in Europe may include culturally-specific barriers such as language, helpseeking behaviours, lack of awareness, stigma and negative attitudes towards treatment and providers (Satinsky et al, 2019).…”

Section: Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciencesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Treatment gap and mental health service use among Syrian refugees in Sultanbeyli, Istanbul: a cross-sectional survey

Fuhr

Acartürk

McGrath

et al. 2019

Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci

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Aims Syrian refugees may have increased mental health needs due to the frequent exposure to potentially traumatic events and violence experienced during the flight from their home country, breakdown of supportive social networks and daily life stressors related to refugee life. The aim of this study is to report evidence on mental health needs and access to mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) among Syrians refugees living in Sultanbeyli-Istanbul, Turkey. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Syrian refugees aged 18 years or over in Sultanbeyli between February and May 2018. We used random sampling to select respondents by using the registration system of the municipality. Data among 1678 Syrian refugees were collected on mental health outcomes using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist (PCL-5) and the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25) for depression and anxiety. We also collected data on health care utilisation, barriers to seeking and continuing care as well as knowledge and attitudes towards mental health. Descriptive analyses were used. Results The estimated prevalence of symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety was 19.6, 34.7 and 36.1%, respectively. In total, 249 respondents (15%) screened positive for either PTSD, depression or anxiety in our survey and self-reported emotional/behavioural problems since arriving in Sultanbeyli. The treatment gap (the proportion of these 249 people who did not seek care) was 89% for PTSD, 90% for anxiety and 88% for depression. Several structural and attitudinal barriers for not seeking care were reported, including the cost of mental health care, the belief that time would improve symptoms, fear of being stigmatised and lack of knowledge on where and how to get help. Some negative attitudes towards people with mental health problems were reported by respondents. Conclusions Syrian refugees hardly access MHPSS services despite high mental health needs, and despite formally having access to the public mental health system in Turkey. To overcome the treatment gap, MHPSS programmes need to be implemented in the community and need to overcome the barriers to seeking care which were identified in this study. Mental health awareness raising activities should be provided in the community alongside the delivery of psychological interventions. This is to increase help-seeking and to tackle negative attitudes towards mental health and people with mental health problems.

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“…According to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (NSMHWB) 45% of Australians had experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime, with 20% experiencing a mental disorder in the previous year [10]. Refugees and asylum seekers often have increased MH needs, yet may face barriers in accessing MHPSS services in destination countries [11]. Also, Pauly et.al, 2018 stated that mental illness can be a function or cause of homelessness, and 60% of chronically homeless individuals have a serious mental illness (including major mood or psychotic disorders) [12].…”

Section: Fig-1: Changing the Conversation About Mental Health (Mh) [1]mentioning

confidence: 99%

Psychiatric Pharmacy: New Role of Pharmacists in Mental Health

Mohiuddin¹

2019

SARJPS

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Psychiatric disorders are one of the major causes of global burden of diseases. Stigma remains a major impediment in the delivery of mental healthcare. It has been found across various studies that attitudes of doctors of other specialties and other healthcare professionals also contribute to stigma due to their lack of knowledge and awareness about psychiatry and mental health problems. The number of mental health professionals remains abysmally low. Community pharmacists are accessible, knowledgeable, and capable of providing mental health promotion and care in communities. This may not be a role that is recognized by the public, and men in particular. However, psychotherapy paired with medication is the most effective way to promote recovery. Examples include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, etc. Pharmacists can play a key role by providing mental health medication management support to improve access and address patients' mental health needs.

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Mental health care utilisation and access among refugees and asylum seekers in Europe: A systematic review

Cited by 340 publications

References 34 publications

Living Conditions and the Mental Health and Well-being of Refugees: Evidence from a Large-Scale German Survey

Living Conditions and the Mental Health and Well-being of Refugees: Evidence from a Large-Scale German Survey

Treatment gap and mental health service use among Syrian refugees in Sultanbeyli, Istanbul: a cross-sectional survey

Psychiatric Pharmacy: New Role of Pharmacists in Mental Health

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