Suicidal Behaviour among Asylum Seekers in the Netherlands; Prevalence, Background and Prevention

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S24-S24
Author(s):  
C.J. Laban

BackgroundProblems of asylum seekers are multiple and complex. Having experienced pre migration adversities, they face multiple post-migration living problems in the host country. In clinical practice suicidal ideations and suicidal behavior often occurs.Objectives/aimsTo increase knowledge and give directions for preventive measures related to suicidal behavior among asylum seekers.MethodLiterature, related to the subject, is summarized.ResultsIn this presentation the context of the reception of asylum seekers is explained. Data will be shown on suicides and suicidal attempts among asylum seekers, in comparison with the Dutch population and with international data. Moreover an overview of qualitative and quantitative research findings will be shown on the many risk factors asylum seekers experience: traumatic experiences, loss, mental health problems, poor living conditions, fear to be expelled, uncertain future and post migration living problems. Attention will be given to the situation of imprisoned undocumented migrants in The Netherlands. Hobfolls theory of the Conservation of Resources will be used to explain the increased risk for suicidal behavior and suicide among asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. Prevention strategies contain cooperation to decrease the risk factors, enhance the protective factors, early detection of signals, and good access to mental health care.ConclusionAsylum seekers encounter many risk factors for suicidal behavior and suicide. The impossibility to get control over their lives and the lack of resources of resilience needs to be recognized as important risk factors. There is a need for cooperation between all professionals and volunteers to change this situation.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.

BMJ Open ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (11) ◽  
pp. e005738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Teunissen ◽  
Jamilah Sherally ◽  
Maria van den Muijsenbergh ◽  
Chris Dowrick ◽  
Evelyn van Weel-Baumgarten ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A E Castaneda ◽  
E Lilja ◽  
F Garoff ◽  
K L Mustonen ◽  
A Ahmed ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Asylum seekers have major health and well-being burdens, including mental health. However, there is a lack of population-based survey data on the health status and service needs of asylum seekers in Europe. The TERTTU-project was launched to fill these information gaps and to develop the current health examination protocol for assessing the health, well-being and need for health care services, including mental health, of newly arrived asylum seekers. Methods As part of the TERTTU-project, systematic, nationally representative data was collected in 2018 by conducting a health examination and a face-to-face interview survey in reception centers in Finland (n = 1087). The sample was drawn from the Finnish Immigration Services electronic asylum database. Mental health was assessed with the HSCL and PROTECT questionnaires (SDQ among the children), along with questions of potentially traumatic experiences. Results 39% (95% CI 35,6-42,6) of the adults had current severe depressive and anxiety symptoms, 50% (95% CI 46,9-53,9) had an increased risk for PTSD, and 83% (95% CI 80,0-85,3) had experienced at least one potentially traumatic event before arriving to Finland. The most common psychosocial symptoms among 2-6 year-olds were behavioral symptoms (49%) and difficulties in peer relationships (37%). Difficulties in peer relationships were also common among 7-17 year-olds (49%), followed by challenges in the emotional domain (42%). Conclusions Potentially traumatic experiences and mental health problems are common among asylum seekers in Finland. Based on the survey-data, a national health examination protocol will be developed in 2019 to improve assessment and identification and to enable systematic health monitoring and evidence-based development of services for asylum seekers. A common health examination protocol will also unify practices across reception centers all over the country. Key messages Potentially traumatic experiences and mental health problems are common among asylum seekers in Finland. A national health examination protocol allows for the early identification of vulnerable groups and individuals.


BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. e016130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeewoong Choi ◽  
Mijo Lee ◽  
Myung Ki ◽  
Ju-Yeong Lee ◽  
Yeong-Jun Song ◽  
...  

IntroductionAs the number of cancer survivors is rapidly increasing with the increased incidence of the disease and improved survival of patients, the prevalence of, and risk factors for, mental health problems and suicidality among cancer survivors should be examined.Methods and analysisUsing data obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2013), we examined 1285 and 33 772 participants who had been and never been diagnosed with cancer, respectively. We investigated the risks of feelings of sadness and suicide attempts among cancer survivors and general population and examined differences in the risks of cancer survivors among subgroups according to cancer-related characteristics.ResultsThe median age of survivors at the time of the survey and at diagnosis was 63 and 54 years, respectively. After adjusting for sex, level of education, household income, occupation, marital status, cancer type, current status of treatment, age at diagnosis and years since diagnosis, the risk of suicide attempts was significantly higher in participants diagnosed with cancer before 45 years of age compared with those diagnosed at 45–64 years (adjusted OR=3.81, 95% CI 1.07 to 13.60, P=0.039), and the higher risk of suicide attempts with borderline significance was found in those for whom more than 10 years had passed since diagnosis compared with those for whom the diagnosis was made only 2–10 years ago (adjusted OR=3.38, 95% CI 0.98 to 11.70, P=0.055). However, feelings of sadness were not significantly associated with any cancer-related characteristic.ConclusionOur results reveal an increased risk of suicide attempts among cancer survivors diagnosed early in life and in those for whom more than 10 years has passed since the diagnosis, suggesting the need for intensive monitoring and support for mental health problems and suicidal risks in this population.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingying Xu ◽  
Sizhen Su ◽  
Zhendong Jiang ◽  
Suihuai Guo ◽  
Qingdong Lu ◽  
...  

Background: University students who are exposed to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could be mentally distressed. We aimed to evaluate the pattern and risk factors of mental health and suicidal behavior among students who experienced long-term school closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This large-sample, cross-sectional, online survey was conducted from June 29, 2020, to July 18, 2020. Eleven thousand two hundred fifty four participants were recruited from 30 universities located in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal behavior was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Insomnia Severity Index, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5, and questions about suicidal ideation and attempts, respectively. Logistic regression was used to explore risk factors for mental health problems and suicidal behavior.Results: The prevalence of mental health problems was 41.5% for depressive symptoms, 32.6% for anxiety symptoms, 35.0% for insomnia symptoms, 8.5% for PTSD symptoms, and 2.0% for suicidal behavior. Participants with high stress during the pandemic were at higher risk of symptoms of depression [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.43–1.95, p < 0.01), anxiety (adjusted OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.63–2.23, p < 0.01), insomnia (adjusted OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.44–1.87, p < 0.01), PTSD (adjusted OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.38–2.11, p < 0.01) and suicidal behavior (adjusted OR = 3.51, 95% CI = 2.28–5.40, p < 0.01). Distant relationship with parents, changes in lifestyle and alcohol use during the pandemic were associated with higher risk of mental health symptoms and suicidal behavior, whereas regular physical exercise reduced the risk of mental health problems.Conclusions: The psychological symptoms and suicidal behavior were relatively high among students who attended university in Wuhan, China after 6 months of the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Comprehensive mental health services and suicide prevention strategies are essential for university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-121
Author(s):  
Marie Robert ◽  
Annie Desgranges ◽  
Monique Séguin ◽  
Guy Beauchamp

Aim This study examined the trajectory (life course) of youths, referred to community services following their suicidal behavior, in order to measure the extent to which these young people have taken this opportunity to modify connectedness with family, school, and workplace, and to change high-risk factors related to suicidal behaviors (mental health problems, delinquency, drug consumption). Method Fifteen youths (aged 16-19), who made one or more suicide attempts or had serious ideation in the previous 24 to 48 months, were referred to community services (Vallée-Jeunesse). They were interviewed using an intensive personal interview measures (Trajectory Instrument Measure, TIM) in order to document significant life events and adversities that occured during different periods of their life.In addition, we administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis-I and Axis-II disorders (SCID-I and SCID-II) to identify past and current psychopathologies. Results Several important changes took place following their entry into the community services: a reduction in delinquency and substance abuse/dependence, and positive changes in occupational status and suicidal behaviors (ideation and suicide attempt). Conclusion Our findings can inform policies and strategies that support the prevention of suicidal behavior among young adults. Community services providers can play a role in the prevention of suicidal behaviors for the most vulnerable youths. These types of services could complement traditional suicide prevention strategies, which are mostly mental-health based.


2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernie Gonzalez ◽  
Jorge G. Varela ◽  
Erika J. Canales ◽  
Alexandra Tellez ◽  
Amy B. Percosky

2009 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Monshouwer ◽  
Margreet ten Have ◽  
Mireille Van Poppel ◽  
Han Kemper ◽  
Wilma Vollebergh

Author(s):  
Kennedy Amone-P'Olak ◽  
Boniface Kealeboga Ramotuana

In Africa, the structure of the family is changing rapidly. The effects of this change on mental health remain unknown. This study investigated the extent to which different family types (intact, single-mother, and multiple) predict mental health problems in young adults in Botswana (N = 264, mean age = 21.31, SD = 2.40). In a cross-sectional design, the study sampled students registered at various faculties at the University of Botswana. The revised symptoms checklist (SCL-90-R) was used to assess symptoms of mental health problems (depression, anxiety and hostility). Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (CIs) of mental health problems for mother-only and multiple family types relative to the intact family type. Compared to the intact family type, single-mother (OR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.21, 4.51) and multiple family types (OR = 1.56; CI: 0.88, 2.78) were associated with an increased risk of depression. For anxiety, the ORs were 2.27 (CI: 1.18, 4.38) and 1.10 (CI: 0.56, 1.82) for single-mother and multiple family types respectively. For hostility, the ORs were 2.60 (CI: 1.34, 5.04), and 0.79 (CI: 0.44, 1.42) for single-mother and multiple family types, respectively. Family types predict mental health problems in young adults and therefore the interventions to mitigate the effects should consider family backgrounds and the ramifications of family types for treatment and care.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jackson Alun ◽  
Barbara Murphy

Loneliness and social isolation are increasingly being acknowledged as risk factors for both physical and mental health problems. Recent statistics demonstrate that loneliness and isolation are on the rise internationally, to the point of being classed as an epidemic. In this paper, the authors outline some of the recent research linking loneliness and isolation to significant chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes; mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression; cognitive disorders and dementia. Isolation has also been shown to compromise recovery after acute cardiac events, being associated with increased hospital readmission and premature death. Indeed, isolation has now been identified as a risk factor equivalent in effect to traditional risk factors such as smoking, hypertension and obesity. While distinguishing between objective and subjective indicators of isolation, the authors highlight the complexity of this phenomenon, both in terms of definition and measurement, as well as the interplay between subjective and objective indicators. Important clinical implications for health professionals working with cardiac patients are also proposed, in terms of screening for isolation, and possible interventions to support patients at risk of isolation. The aim of the current article is to emphasise the importance of acknowledging loneliness and isolation as key risk factors requiring urgent attention, both in research and in clinical practice.


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