Search Results (21)

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria experiences multiple environmental stresses due to intensive oil exploration and pervasive gas flaring, both of which contribute to local and regional climate changes, extreme weather events, and excessive and erratic rainfall. Consequently, flooding remains a recurrent natural disaster, disproportionately impacting the low-lying states of Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers. This study employs remotely sensed geospatial data and a GIS-based weighted overlay analysis to delineate flood-prone areas on a regional scale in the central Niger Delta states. Flood susceptibility was determined through a weighted overlay of digital elevation model (DEM), slope, proximity to streams, rainfall, and LULC data, among others. Weights of criteria were derived through an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) with a very good consistency ratio of 2.5%. Land use and land cover (LULC) and rainfall data were further analyzed to detect trends of changes between 2012 and 2022. The results show that relatively 77% of the study region is prone to flooding. Areas prone to very high flooding are about 16%, high is 29%, moderate is 32%, while low and very low flood-prone areas cover 18% and 5% of the study region, respectively. There is also a notable increase in average annual rainfall and land cover changes. Average rainfall increased by 58.1% between 2012 and 2017, and by 11.5% between 2017 and 2022. Land cover change analysis further indicates that approximately 1.3% of the study area was converted predominantly to flooded zones and water bodies from 2017 to 2022. The results of this study could be useful for urban regional planning, flood mitigation, and resettlement policies aimed at reducing flood vulnerability and enhancing resilience in the central Niger Delta, as well as other places where similar challenges exist. Full article

The global population of older adults is growing rapidly, and refugees are now a significant proportion of the older adult population in Canada. Transnational healthcare practices (THPs)—seeking health information or services from the country of origin—may be an essential strategy used by refugee older adults in Canada, but few studies have explored this phenomenon. This is a protocol for a study, which is aimed at developing a comprehensive understanding of the role THPs play in the lives of older adults from three refugee groups (Afghan, Syrian and Ukrainian) (re)settled in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada. It will be informed by Constructivist Grounded Theory and will consist of three phases. Phase 1 will involve semi-structured individual interviews with Afghan, Syrian, and Ukrainian refugee older adults living in the GTA (n = 75–90) to explore their perspectives and experiences with various types of THP. Phase 2 will also involve semi-structured interviews with 75–90 refugee older adults from the three communities to examine the role of THP in stress, coping, and resilience in the context of health promotion, illness diagnosis, and disease management as well as the individual and contextual factors driving the use of THPs. Phase 3 will involve six focus groups (n = 36–48) with refugee older adults from these communities to explore what information, care, supports, technology, and services are needed to manage their health and illnesses locally. This project will advance knowledge in the areas of (re)settlement and integration, aging, local healthcare access, and THPs among refugee older adults in Canada. The findings will inform more effective integration policies and the delivery of efficient and equitable health information, care, support, technology, and services that address the healthcare needs of refugee older adults, enabling them to age well and age in place. Full article

This study explores the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the two major dimensions of mentalization (self and other-oriented) in asylum seekers resettled in Italy. It is important because it is the first study addressing the role of mentalization in asylum seekers with PTSD. Twenty asylum seekers scoring above the cut-off for the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) were contrasted to twenty asylum seekers without PTSD on mentalization and somatization. The Certainty About Mental States Questionnaire (CAMSQ) and the Bradford Somatic Inventory (BSI-21) were used to assess mentalization and somatization, respectively. Pearson correlations and multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the overall association between variables. Asylum seekers with PTSD had significantly higher scores than those without PTSD on somatization (p = 0.03), and significantly lower scores on self-oriented mentalization (p < 0.05) than those without PTSD. These results show that asylum seekers with PTSD have reduced self-oriented mentalizing abilities, while the other-oriented component of mentalization appears less involved. This study shows that mentalization deserves more research for the possibly crucial role of reduced self-oriented mentalization in asylum seekers’ suffering. If these findings are confirmed by future studies, they could be used to tailor interventions for asylum seekers and refugees with PTSD. Full article

This study aims to examine context-specific post-migration stress factors and their differential impacts on the mental health of Syrian refugee women resettled in Houston, Texas, and urban communities in Jordan. A cross-sectional survey investigated sociodemographic and health-related conditions, psychological distress and coping (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS]), mental health-related symptomatology (Self-Report Questionnaire [SRQ]), conflict-related psychological distress (Afghan Symptom Checklist [ASC]), and post-migration stress (Refugee Post-Migration Stress Scale [RPMS]). Linear regression models examined factors associated with post-migration stress and mental health outcomes. A total of 127 Syrian refugee women participated in the study. Participants were in their mid-30s (mean age = 34.79 ± 11.2 years), married (66.9%), and reported low levels of education (44.8% below high school), low employment (27.2%), and elevated financial strain (91% below the poverty line). Jordan-based refugees exhibited higher scores on mental distress measures compared to their Houston-based counterparts; specifically more elevated psychological distress (p < 0.001), symptomatology (p < 0.001), and conflict-related distress (p < 0.001). Syrian refugee women in Houston reported higher social strain, while those in Jordan experienced greater financial hardship and barriers to accessing healthcare services. Mental distress among Syrian refugee women is influenced by specific post-migration stressors that vary by resettlement location. Targeted interventions are necessary to improve mental health outcomes in this population. Full article

This research project examines the experiences of four individuals working in refugee resettlement and their perspectives on the educational needs of refugee students, given their role as boundary spanners. They also discuss the need for teachers to encourage students to use the Funds of Knowledge in the classroom. Participants discuss their varied experience as professionals in refugee resettlement, with two being refugees and one being an immigrant. This paper (1) explores the stress associated with relocation, (2) delves into the mental health issues faced by individuals from refugee backgrounds, emphasizing trauma, (3) analyzes how inefficiencies and lack of support within the public school system contribute to a stressful and ineffective experience for all parties involved, and (4) highlights the importance of human connection. The implications for future research are also discussed with particular attention paid to the need to actively work with other stakeholders. Full article

The United States has a long history of welcoming refugees fleeing persecution, organized violence, and war. However, the welcome often does not come with adequate immigration infrastructure support necessary to rebuild life and promote family well-being. Approximately 157,000 Cambodians were accepted to resettle in the U.S. between 1975 and 1994 due to the countrywide genocide. Upon resettlement, Cambodians were placed in impoverished neighborhoods with little resources to heal and rebuild. The purpose of this study, grounded in a Human Ecological Model and guided by Critical Ethnography principles, was to conduct a formal needs assessment of Cambodian refugee families across the United States. Eighteen professionals were interviewed virtually in Khmer and/or English. The data were analyzed using the Developmental Research Sequence. The results emphasized a critical need to address mental health complications resulting from untreated mental health disorders such as posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety-related disorders, and complicated grief, across generations. Severe disruptions in family relationships (i.e., parent–child and couple relationships) were also reported along with substance abuse in the absence of access to culturally responsive mental health treatments. Findings suggest the need for culturally tailored multilevel interventions to effectively address mental health and relational challenges of multigenerational Cambodian families. Full article

Transport out of the water is one of the most challenging events for juvenile Perna canaliculus and can be a highly inefficient process, with many juveniles subsequently being lost following extended periods of emersion. Hardening techniques offer a possible method for reducing transport-related stress. In this study, different hardening treatments (short, long and intermittent sub-lethal emersion) were used to prepare ~1.2 mm P.canaliculus for transport (20 h) and subsequent reoxygenation stress during re-immersion (i.e., recovery). The oxidative stress responses, resettlement behaviour, respiration rates and survival of the mussels after transport and during recovery were all assessed. Short emersion (1 h) as a hardening treatment prior to transport did not cause major stress to the mussels, which maintained respiration at control levels, showed significantly stimulated antioxidant defences during recovery, showed greater resettlement behaviour and remained viable after 24 h of recovery. In comparison, the long and intermittent emersion treatments negatively impacted oxidative stress responses and affected the viability of the mussels after 24 h of recovery. This study showed that exposing juvenile P.canaliculus to a mild stress prior to transport may stimulate protective mechanisms, therefore eliciting a hardening response, but care must be taken to avoid overstressing the mussels. Improving the management of stress during the transport of juvenile mussels may be key to minimising mussel losses and increasing harvest production, and biomarkers associated with oxidative stress/antioxidant metabolism could be valuable tools to ensure emersion hardening does not overstress the mussels and reduce survival. Full article

Psychosocial support programs have been increasingly implemented to protect asylum seekers’ wellbeing, though how and why these interventions work is not yet fully understood. This study first uses questionnaires to examine how self-efficacy, satisfaction of basic psychological needs, and adaptive stress may influence wellbeing for a group of asylum-seeking mothers attending a community-based psychosocial program called Welcome Haven. Second, we explore mothers’ experiences attending the Welcome Haven program through qualitative interviews. Analysis reveals the importance of relatedness as a predictor of wellbeing as well as the mediating role of adaptive stress between need satisfaction and wellbeing. Further, attending Welcome Haven is associated with reduced adaptive stress and increased wellbeing, which correspond with the thematic analysis showing that attendance at the workshops fostered a sense of belonging through connection with other asylum seekers and service providers as well as empowerment through access to information and self-expression. The results point to the importance of community-based support that addresses adaptive stress and the promotion of social connection as key determinants of wellbeing. Nonetheless, the centrality of pervasive structural stressors asylum seekers experience during resettlement also cautions that relief offered by interventions may be insufficient in the face of ongoing systemic inequality and marginalization. Full article

Background: Families of refugee background have complex, multigenerational mental health and developmental needs that are not accounted for in current programming frameworks in Canada. Providing appropriate support services and educational resources that address the unique concerns of families of refugee background will allow for improved family cohesion and developmental outcomes for children. Parenting programs have been shown to be successful in improving parental stress, parental efficacy, and children’s mental health and well-being. This study gathers data about the experiences of caregivers of refugee background in order to develop a novel, multi-dimensional parenting program model using Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) principles. Methodology: This was a qualitative, CBPR study using a formative research framework. In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with caregivers of refugee background and service providers that work closely with this population. Data were recorded, transcribed, and coded using deductive and inductive coding methods by two independent coders. Results: A total of 20 IDIs were conducted (7 caregivers and 13 service providers). The main topics that were identified to be incorporated into the program include: features of child development, how to address resettlement issues, child advocacy, and parenting after resettlement. Participants felt that tackling language barriers, addressing the overlapping responsibilities of caregivers attending the sessions, providing incentives, increasing awareness of the program, and using an anti-racist and anti-oppressive approach was key to the program’s success. Participants emphasized the need for trauma-informed mental health supports within the program model. Conclusion: This study describes the key considerations for a novel parenting program for families of refugee background, by engaging them as key stakeholders in the program design process. Future iterations of this project would involve a pilot and evaluation of the program. Full article

Mental health and social resilience play a significant role in refugees’ adaptation during the resettlement process in the host country. Maintaining good mental wellbeing helps the refugees to respond to stressful experiences with healthy life choices. This study aimed to explore the mental wellbeing and social resilience of Eritrean refugees living in Germany and to identify social conditions and enablers to foster adaptation. This study employs a qualitative approach with a semi-structured, in-depth interview data collection method. Informants were identified among mostly young adult refugees living in Heidelberg, Germany, with a migration history of 3–6 years. In total, 15 informants were recruited through snowball sampling. Data were sorted and analyzed using the five pillars of the Adaptation and Development after Persecution and Trauma (ADAPT) model. The findings suggest that Eritrean refugees experienced psychological distress after resettlement in Germany; however, with time, their mental health improved. The study revealed conditions that were experienced as hindrances, as well as ones that were considered to be resources of positive mental wellbeing and social resilience for resettled refugees. Resettlement challenges described by the participants were the language barrier, discrimination, unemployment, insecure residence status, loss of family and friends, conflict within the diaspora community, and isolation. The main sources of mental wellbeing and social resilience include the feeling of being welcomed by local communities, access to social services, adopting new relationships, and educational opportunities. These experiences encouraged refugees to have a favorable view of their lives and futures and were also found to facilitate better integration and adaptation. Understanding refugee mental wellbeing and social resilience requires a multidimensional perspective. Eritrean refugees living in Germany have experienced and are still experiencing resettlement challenges, such as, for example, loss of family and friends, negative perception of the German system, loss of past achievements, or unemployment. However, they have developed adaptive and resilience mechanisms, as well, such as seeing an opportunity for a better life, adopting new roles, and accepting Germany as a “second home”. In addressing those issues reported by the refugees as hindrances, these could be turned into sources of mental wellbeing and resilience. Full article

Resettled humanitarian migrants (HMs) have high levels of mental disorders, but factors associated with the utilization of mental health services (MHS) are poorly understood. We aimed to explore trends and impact factors of MHS utilization among HMs in the process of resettlement in Australia. A total of 2311 HMs from the 1st (2013), 3rd, and 5th (2018) waves of a national cohort study were included. MHS utilization in the past year was assessed by two indicators: having MHS contacts and the frequency of MHS contacts. Trends were identified by Cochran–Armitage tests, and generalized linear mixed models and ordered logistic models were fitted to explore impact factors of MHS utilization. The proportion of having MHS contacts significantly rose from 13.0% to 29.4% over the five years. MHS utilization was mainly driven by perceived needs, such as post-traumatic stress disorders and the degree of post-migration stress. Unemployment and strong belongingness to the local community were also associated with having MHS contacts. No significant gender difference was found in having MHS contacts but females tended to contact MHS more frequently. Resettled HMs have a persistent dilemma of high mental illness prevalence and MHS underutilization. Sustainable mental health education and long-term resettlement services targeted at social integration that consider gender difference are urgently needed in host countries. Full article

It has been widely proven that resettlement is associated with negative psychological effects (e.g., increased depression and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder) among refugees. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve the psychosocial functioning of migrants. This study assessed associations between negative dysfunctional appraisal (perceiving experiences as stressful), spiritual needs, religious coping and wellbeing. Data from paper-and-pencil questionnaires were collected from 744 refugees (69.8% male) aged 18–67 years (M = 27.99) with diverse backgrounds (including from Mashreq countries) who were resettled in Germany. Bootstrapping mediation analysis revealed that the relationship of dysfunctional appraisal and wellbeing among refugees is mediated by spiritual needs (i.e., existential and religious needs). Additionally, negative religious coping mediates the relationship between spiritual needs and wellbeing. The data obtained suggest the need for practitioners to focus on psychological interventions that strengthen spiritual needs in order to improve mental health among refugees. Full article

(1) Background: Syrians are the largest forcibly displaced population in the world. Approximately 20,000 Syrian refugees have resettled in the United States (US) since the civil war in Syria began in 2011, with an estimated 130 families resettling in Houston, Texas. We conducted a pilot study with the objective of examining the physical and mental well-being of the Houston Syrian refugee population. (2) Methods: Online surveys were conducted using psychometrically valid instruments including Afghan Symptom Checklist (ASC), Refugee Post-Migration Stress Scale (RPMSS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ) (3) Results: According to independent t-tests, Syrian refugee females scored higher than males on ASC (37.78 vs. 31.64, p = 0.0446), particularly in the subscales of sadness with social withdrawal (28.89 vs. 24.31, p = 0.0495), and stress-induced reactivity (6.56 vs. 4.86, p = 0.0004). Similarly, females scored higher than males in RPMSS (60.54 vs. 45.15, p = 0.0022), including the social strain domain (8.08 vs. 5.18, p = 0.0204). In PSS and SRQ, Syrian refugee females reported comparable stress and distress scores as males. (4) Conclusions: Syrian refugee females reported higher stress and distress than males. Displacement from their home country and social strain were the major sources of stress in Syrian refugee females, as indicated in RPMSS. Full article

The link between post-migration stressors and mental ill health is well documented in refugees resettled in high-income host countries, but the consequences of these stressors on refugees’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are less known. This study examined the association between post-migration stressors and HRQoL among Syrian adult refugees resettled in Sweden using a preference-based value set obtained from the general Swedish population. A total of 1215 Syrian adults, ages 18–64 years, granted residency in Sweden, responded to a postal questionnaire in 2016 regarding various aspects of their resettlement. The European Quality of Life Five Dimensions Five Level (EQ–5D–5L) questionnaire was used to assess HRQoL through an EQ–5D–5L index score (range; 0=dead to 1=full health). The index score was preference weighted using a Swedish population value set. Predictors were four self-reported post-migration stressors related to daily living in the host country: financial strain, social strain, competency strain and perceived discrimination divided into low, medium and high levels of experienced stress. Multivariable linear regression models were employed to assess the association between post-migration stressors and HRQoL index score, adjusting for potentially traumatic events in the pre- and peri-migration phase as well as sociodemographic confounders/covariates (sex, age, education, civil status, immigration year). The Syrian refugees had a mean EQ–5D–5L index score of 0.863 (SD = 0.145). There was strong evidence of a negative dose-response association in both unadjusted and adjusted models between HRQoL and the post-migration stressors financial strain and social strain—i.e., there was a stepwise, and statistically significant, decrease in HRQoL when going from low to medium to high strain. Competency strain and discrimination were only associated with lower HRQoL when experienced at high levels in fully adjusted models. High exposure to potentially traumatic experiences before or during flight was also associated with lower HRQoL. Syrian refugees resettled in Sweden reported a lower HRQoL than the general Swedish population and lower than age-matched Swedish adults. The present study results point to the possible adverse effects of post-migration stressors on HRQoL. Full article

(1) Background: Recognizing mental health problems in newly arrived refugees poses a challenge. Little is known of the mental health profile of refugees currently arriving in Northern Europe. (2) Method: In total, we included 900 adult (≥18 years old) refugees arriving in Aarhus, Denmark, between 1 January 2014 and 1 January 2020. All participants accepted an offer of a voluntary systematic health assessment from the municipality in Aarhus, including a mental health screening. (3) Results: Within this cohort, 26% (237/900) of the participants were referred to the Department of Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, 24% (212/900) were in contact with the department and 21% (185/900) received ≥1 psychiatric diagnosis. Within the subpopulation referred (n = 237), 64% (152/237) were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (DF431), 14% (34/237) with neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders (F40–F48) and 13% (30/237) with major mood disorders (F30–F39). Among the participants referred to the Department of Psychiatry and participants receiving a diagnosis, we found an overrepresentation of participants originating from the Southern Asian region (Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) and with an age above 44 years. (4) Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of both referrals and psychiatric diagnoses in newly arrived refugees. Attention to psychiatric conditions in refugees and systematic health assessments during resettlement are needed. Full article