Psychological distress is influenced by length of stay in resettled Iraqi refugees in Australia

Abstract

BackgroundPsychological distress has been well identified in recently resettled refugee groups; however, evidence on psychological distress over time is not conclusive. Australia has welcomed a large refugee population in recent decades, including Iraqis who currently form one of the largest groups being resettled in Australia.MethodsThis study aimed to explore psychological distress in two samples of Iraqi refugees, those who recently arrived (n = 225, average length of stay = 0.55 months) and those with a longer period of resettlement (n = 225, average length of stay = 58.5 months). To assess general symptoms of anxiety and depression, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was employed. Associations between participants’ demographic characteristics and psychological distress levels were examined.ResultsA significant difference between groups, t (441) = −2.149, p = 0.0324, was found, indicating that study participants with longer periods of resettlement were experiencing higher levels of psychological distress than recent arrivals.ConclusionOur findings have implications for both for government and non-government funded organisations who should consider the provision of assistance programs beyond the initial arrival period.

Refugee Resettlement in the U.S.: The Impact of Contextual Factors on Psychological Distress

“…This finding aligns with results from a recent study conducted by Guajardo and colleagues [33] examining mental health distress among Iraqi refugees in Australia. Specifically, refugees with longer periods of resettlement were more distressed than those recently arrived.…”

“…Further, while unemployment has been well established as a risk factor for poor mental health among refugees [23,24,31], other scholars have recently suggested that gainful employment can also increase psychological distress for longer established refugees. One reason for this discrepancy could be that the phase of resettlement may moderate the relationship between contextual factors and mental health outcomes [24,33,34]. Bentley and colleagues [3] examined post-migration contextual barriers, such as separation from family, poverty, and employment status, as a moderator between pre-migration trauma and current mental health symptoms among Somali refugees.…”

Refugee health and rehabilitation: Challenges and response

“…Furthermore, social isolation and/ or poverty, hostility, discrimination and racism might have compounding negative effects on their mental well-being (28). Insomnia, poor sleep pattern, memory and concentration problems are commonly reported, which hinder learning and capacity for adaptation in their new environment (25). Health issues, particularly mental health, may be exacerbated by financial instability, unemployment, lack of education; and concern for family members who remain in their native countries and in refugee camps.…”

“…Refugees and asylum seekers are vulnerable to psychological disorders, mainly due to various traumas experienced before, during and after migration (25). Many face continued disadvantage and/or are isolated in their new countries.…”

Untitled

“…The term usually applies to people who are very aware of their condition, despite the psychological and physical deterioration [2]. Psychological distress, posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive episode have been recognized as the most common mental health issues amongst the uprooted populations [3,4].…”