Situation of Self-Reported Anxiety and Depression among Urban Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Thailand, 2019

Pudpong, Nareerut; Kosiyaporn, Hathairat; Phaiyarom, Mathudara; Kunpeuk, Watinee; Sinam, Pigunkaew; Julchoo, Sataporn; Suphanchaimat, Rapeepong

doi:10.3390/ijerph18147269

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 34 publications

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“…Noteworthily, our prevalence percentage, though appearing high, is still far smaller than the prevalence amongst urban refugees and asylum seekers (URAS) in Thailand (33). Prior evidence unveiled that about 39.5% of URAS were positive for depressive symptom screening.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 57%

Depressive symptoms prevalence and its associated factors among cross border migrants in Thailand, 2023: a cross-sectional mixed-method study

Sikhiwat,

Rajsiri,

Nunes

et al. 2024

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Background: Depression constitutes a substantial portion of global mental health concerns. Among migrant populations, access to mental healthcare is often hindered by various barriers, potentially leading to undiagnosed depressive symptoms. Thailand has hosted a large number of cross-border migrants from its neighboring countries, especially, Cambodia, Laos PDR and Myanmar (CLM), for years. However, little is known about the prevalence of depressive symptoms and its associated factors amongst migrants in Thailand, and this comes the objective of this study. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional mixed-method study to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms and identify its associated factors. Quantitative data were collected through a paper-based questionnaire which comprised demographic characteristics and depressive symptoms screening questions by the Department of Mental Health, the Thai Ministry of Public Health. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the related factors of depressive symptoms. Qualitative data were gathered by in-depth interviews with civic group representatives and migrants. Content analysis with inductive coding was applied. Results: A total of 431 participants were included in the analysis, with the majority being female (73.3%) and from Myanmar (97.9%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 11.8%, categorized as mild (9.7%), moderate (1.6%), and severe (0.5%) respectively. Factors associated with reduced likelihood of depressive symptoms included having public insurance, completing at least high school education, and being employed, while alcohol consumption increased the odds of depressive symptoms. Qualitative analysis highlighted the protective role of public insurance against depressive symptoms. Besides, from the interviews, some migrants consumed alcohol as a coping mechanism towards depressive symptoms. Conclusion: This study reveals a noteworthy prevalence of depressive symptoms among cross-border migrants in Thailand. Significant factors included being insured by public insurance scheme, obtaining favorable education background and being employed. A better understanding of how these factors contribute to depressive symptoms is vital in designing comprehensive mental health policies to address the mental well-being of migrants. Further studies that reach out to all types of migrants and expand the scope of mental health beyond depressive symptoms are recommended.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 57%

Depressive symptoms prevalence and its associated factors among cross border migrants in Thailand, 2023: a cross-sectional mixed-method study

Sikhiwat,

Rajsiri,

Nunes

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Born in displacement: Psychosocial and mental health impacts of country of birth among urban Somali refugee youth

George

Swan

2022

Global Public Health

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Prevalence and associated factors of depression and anxiety among Sudanese refugees at Bambasi Camp in northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Amede,

Tesfaye,

Ahmed

2024

Front. Psychiatry

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BackgroundRefugees encounter a variety of traumatic events throughout their migratory process and in the camp, which increase their risk of developing mental illnesses. Even though depression and anxiety are the most frequent after a stressful life event, there is limited information on Sudanese refugees. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depressive and anxiety symptoms at the Bambasi Camp in northwestern Ethiopia.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted among 379 participants using a systematic random sampling method. The Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25) was used to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms. The data was collected by the Kobo toolbox mobile application and analyzed using SPSS (version 26). Multiple logistic regressions with the backward elimination method were performed. A p-value of <0.05 with 95% CI was taken as statistically significant.ResultA total of 379 participants were included, with 96.9% response rate. The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was 46.2% (95% CI = 41–51.2) and 39.6% (95% CI = 34–41), respectively. A multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that being a female (AOR = 2.56; 95% CI = 1.50–4.26), duration of stay (≥11 years) in the camp (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI = 1.39–3.86), being jobless (AOR = 2.68; 95% CI = 1.30–5.50), and poor social support (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI = 1.25–7.79) were identified as risk factors of depressive symptoms and also being female (AOR = 3.60; 95% CI = 2.26–5.74) and age above 45 (AOR = 2.48; 95% CI = 1.16–5.30) were identified as risk factors for anxiety symptoms.ConclusionThe findings highlight the high burden of mental health problems that Sudanese refugees bear. The identified predictors of depressive and anxiety symptoms should alert medical and refugee professionals to identify vulnerable individuals and groups, to link them to appropriate psychological intervention, and also to take action for the identified risk factors.

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Situation of Self-Reported Anxiety and Depression among Urban Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Thailand, 2019

Cited by 3 publications

References 34 publications

Depressive symptoms prevalence and its associated factors among cross border migrants in Thailand, 2023: a cross-sectional mixed-method study

Depressive symptoms prevalence and its associated factors among cross border migrants in Thailand, 2023: a cross-sectional mixed-method study

Born in displacement: Psychosocial and mental health impacts of country of birth among urban Somali refugee youth

Prevalence and associated factors of depression and anxiety among Sudanese refugees at Bambasi Camp in northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

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