«On fait du travail social en fait» : Perceptions de leur rôle par les avocat‑e‑s dans le cadre du processus de détermination du statut de réfugié

Author(s):  
Charlotte Dahin

AbstractThe collaborative involvement of legal and healthcare professionals is often crucial when managing the consequences of the difficult experiences of those seeking asylum and the impact of these on the construction of the asylum application itself. While such collaboration is not always possible, this article focuses on the experiences of lawyers specialized in immigration law, who are often faced with challenges that do not fall strictly within the legal sphere but must be understood in order to support a successful asylum claim. This article examines the different perceptions among these lawyers as to the scope and limits of their role in this context. Some place greater emphasis on the distinction between professions and the limits of each person’s role. Others appear to express a more nuanced perspective, proposing specific strategies to better manage certain aspects related to mental health in particular.

BJPsych Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yimenu Yitayih ◽  
Seblework Mekonen ◽  
Ahmed Zeynudin ◽  
Embialle Mengistie ◽  
Argaw Ambelu

Background The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic causes healthcare professionals to suffer mental health problems such as psychological distress, anxiety, depression, denial and fear. However, studies are lacking related to Ethiopia and to Africa in general. Aims To study the mental health of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia. Method A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Jimma University Medical Center among 249 healthcare professionals. The data were collected using self-administered questionnaires between 22 and 28 March 2020. The psychological impact was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R) and symptoms of insomnia were measured using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Social support was evaluated using the three-item Oslo Social Support Scale. Data were analysed using logistic regression to examine mutually adjusted associations, expressed as adjusted odds ratios. The psychosocial status of the healthcare professionals was predicted using a classification tree model supported by the genetic search method. Results The prevalence of psychological distress among healthcare professionals was 78.3%. The mean IES-R score was 34.2 (s.d. = 19.4). The ISI score indicated that the prevalence of insomnia was 50.2%. Higher psychological distress was associated with younger age, having insomnia, not having a daily update on COVID-19, and feeling stigmatised and rejected in the neighbourhood because of hospital work. Conclusions This study indicates that, in Ethiopia, the prevalence of psychological distress among healthcare professionals is high and associated with specific sociodemographic risks.


QJM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (9) ◽  
pp. 613-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
M D Braquehais ◽  
S Vargas-Cáceres ◽  
E Gómez-Durán ◽  
G Nieva ◽  
S Valero ◽  
...  

Summary Introduction Healthcare professionals (HPs) have been confronted by unprecedented traumatic experiences during the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, especially in countries that had not experienced similar epidemic outbreaks in recent years. Aim To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of HPs. Method We comprehensively reviewed the studies published in MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science and Google Scholar between December 2019 and May 2020. Results Most studies report a high prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among HPs that can be associated with: (i) COVID-19 exposure; (ii) epidemiological issues; (iii) material resources; (iv) human resources; and (v) personal factors. The role of certain variables, before, during and after the pandemic, remains unexplored. Longitudinal studies will help elucidate which factors are associated with a higher risk of developing long-lasting negative effects. Qualitative studies may contribute to understanding the influence of individual and social narratives in HPs’ distress. Conclusion A deeper analysis on the individual, institutional, political and socio-cultural factors, meanings and values influencing HPs distress and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic is needed.


Author(s):  
Zahra Alsairafi ◽  
Abdallah Y. Naser ◽  
Fatemah M. Alsaleh ◽  
Abdelmoneim Awad ◽  
Zahraa Jalal

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health status of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and undergraduate students in the health sciences center (HSCUs). In addition, it explored the factors associated with the increased levels of mental health burden among the study population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using two online-administered questionnaires: the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7), which were distributed in parallel to HCPs and HSCUs in Kuwait. These instruments are validated assessment scales to assess mental health status: depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7). Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS- version 25. Results: A total of 857 individuals (559 HCPs and 298 HSCUs) participated in this study. The prevalence of moderately severe depression or severe depression (PHQ-9 total score of ≥15) among respondents was 66.6%. The median (interquartile range, IQR) PHQ-9 score was significantly higher among HSCUs (20 {11.5}) compared to HCPs (17 {8}). The prevalence of severe anxiety (GAD-7 total score of ≥15) among respondents was 36.7%. There were no significant differences between the median (IQR) GAD-7 scores among the HCPs (14 {7}) and HSCUs (13 {8}). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that three variables were significantly and independently associated with severe depression among HCPs. The prevalence of severe depression was found to be greater among females compared to males. In addition, it was significantly lower among those who were aged ≥50 years, and those who reported that they were not in direct contact with COVID-19 patients. Among HSCUs, females showed greater depression than males. In contrast, those aged >29 years and who had no history of chronic disease showed lower depression compared to their counterparts in the 18–29 years age group and who had a chronic disease history. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on the mental health of HCPs and HSCUs in Kuwait. This highlights the need for proactive efforts to support their mental health and well-being through educational campaigns and psychological support programs.


Author(s):  
Denise Erbuto ◽  
Isabella Berardelli ◽  
Salvatore Sarubbi ◽  
Elena Rogante ◽  
Alice Sparagna ◽  
...  

Inadequate knowledge of the potential signs and risk factors of suicide negatively affects the ability of healthcare professionals to recognize patients at risk of suicide. The principal aim of the present study is to assess the attitudes and knowledge about suicide in a large sample of mental health professionals. We examined the relationship between Suicide Knowledge and Skills Questionnaire items and the experience of a patient dying by suicide. We also examined whether various healthcare professionals respond differently to the items of the Impact of a Patient’s Suicide on Professional and Personal Lives Scale. Results demonstrated that healthcare professionals who had experienced a patient suicide reported greater skills than professionals who had not experienced a patient suicide. However, 44% of professionals who had experienced a patient suicide felt that they did not have adequate training on this particular issue. Among those who had experienced a patient suicide, there was an increased tendency to hospitalize patients with suicide risk and an increased use of collegial consultation. Concerning personal emotions, healthcare professionals reported troubled relationships with family members and friends and the loss of self-esteem. In conclusion, better knowledge and attitudes about suicide are necessary for suicide-prevention strategies.


BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S18-S19
Author(s):  
Mikaela D'Arcy-Smith ◽  
Marta Buszewicz

AimsTo assess the impact of common mental health disorders (CMHDs) on university students’ function and wellbeing. To understand the barriers to receiving adequate support for CMHDs during both adolescence and at university. To provide feedback to healthcare professionals about how young people perceive the support provided when initially seeking help for psychological distress. To explore which forms of support students find the most useful.MethodA literature review was initially undertaken, identifying the lack of prior research in this area. The current study addressed the gap by considering the needs of students with CMHDs in the context of primary care services, with a retrospective exploration of their views about support received during adolescence. 15 semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with both current university students and recent graduates from across the UK, transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis. The study population included 7 men and 8 women, between the ages of 18–25 years.ResultFive main themes emerged from the data:The Journey to Disorder – Explored the difficulties faced by adolescents, and how these might contribute to their experience of CMHDs and their management.Attitudes Towards Help-Seeking – Many participants had little trust in healthcare professionals as adolescents. This contributed to limited trust in university support systems as young adults.Primary Care Support - Perceived effectiveness of General Practitioner (GP) support during adolescence in this cohort was highly variable. Although some participants described good experiences, others felt their views were ignored, with responsibility diverted to their caregivers. A lack of understanding from GPs about CMHDs in adolescents resulted in trust issues for them as young adults.Recommendations for Change - Participants reflected on their previous and current experiences to inform suggestions for changes to tackle issue of psychological distress in adolescents.ConclusionPrevious experiences of the care they had received when presenting with CMHDs during adolescence potentially affected the long-term wellbeing of university students and graduates; the initial support received was inconsistent with the needs of this age group. Recommendations for change included a greater emphasis on the importance of adolescent mental health education, tailoring interventions to personal growth and maturity, and ensuring primary healthcare providers are equipped with the skills required to manage psychological distress in young people.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Bonilla-Sierra ◽  
Alexis Manrique-G ◽  
Paula Hidalgo-Andrade ◽  
Pablo Ruisoto

Background: The current mental health state of healthcare professionals and students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador remains understudied and how to improve their mental health is a challenge.Objective: This study aimed to explore the anxiety and depressive symptomatology among healthcare students and professionals in Ecuador and to examine the role of psychological inflexibility, loneliness, and psychological stress as predictors of anxiety and depression symptoms.Methods: A total of 191 undergraduate and graduate healthcare students in clinical practice (early-career healthcare professionals) in Ecuador were surveyed between January and March 2021 using standardized measures of psychological stress (PSS), psychological inflexibility (AAQ), loneliness (UCLA), alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C), and anxiety and depressive symptomatology (PHQ). Macro Process for SPSS (models 4 and 7) were used to test mediation effects.Results: Alcohol consumption varied between men and women and anxiety and depression symptomatology was generally low among the sample. Psychological inflexibility and loneliness mediated the impact of stress on anxiety and depressive mood in participants, regardless of gender and previous personal history of COVID-19.Discussion: Implications of psychological inflexibility and the prevention and coping with stress in healthcare professionals during COVID-19 are further discussed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Ornell ◽  
Silvia Chwartzmann Halpern ◽  
Felix Henrique Paim Kessler ◽  
Joana Corrêa de Magalhães Narvaez

2021 ◽  
pp. 089198872110235
Author(s):  
Megan Hophing ◽  
Katie-Joy Zimmerman-Winslow ◽  
Arnabh Basu ◽  
Theresa Jacob

The mental health burden of COVID-19 and associated quarantine can be enormous for the elderly. Being at higher risk for serious illnesses results in them being further isolated at a time of prolonged social distancing. In the following suicide-attempt cases, we examine the effects of quarantine and a global pandemic that expose the elderly to increased risk for negative mental health outcomes. Examining defense mechanisms and the effects of quarantine may help healthcare professionals better identify individuals at higher risk during times of crises that warrant isolation and quarantine, and provide appropriate interventions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Y. Khanji ◽  
Carmela Maniero ◽  
Sher NG ◽  
Imrana Siddiqui ◽  
Jaya Gupta ◽  
...  

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented strain to healthcare systems worldwide and posed unique challenges to the healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the general public.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health, behavioral, and physical wellbeing of HCPs in the early and mid-term periods of the pandemic in comparison to non-HCPs. Thus, facilitating and guiding optimum planning and delivery of support to HCPs.Methods and AnalysisAn observational cross-sectional survey and cohort study aiming to enroll over 1050 participants (minimum, 800 HCPs and 250 controls). Study questionnaires will be completed at baseline and after 6-weeks and 4-months. Recruitment initiated July 2020. The study was designed in London, United Kingdom, but open to participants worldwide. Baseline: Questionnaires comprising of validated self-administered screening tools for depression, anxiety, sleep-related issues, wellbeing, and burnout. The questionnaires also explore changes in behavior and physical wellbeing of the participants. In addition, associations of these mental health and behavioral factors with work-related factors and support will be explored. Six-weeks and 4-months follow-up: Follow-up questionnaires will assess change in symptoms of anxiety and depression, sleep disorders, use of alcohol and other substances, behavioral or interpersonal relationship changes. Physical wellbeing will be assessed through the presence of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection and absence from work. We will also evaluate the impact of variable provision of personal protection equipment (supply and training), extended working hours, and concern for the wellbeing of family members, anxiety levels, and evidence of burnout.Statistical ConsiderationsThe study has 80% power to detect a 10% difference of combined depression and/or anxiety symptoms between the groups using two-sided type 1 error at 0.05 at baseline. Assuming that only 50% of these HCPs agree to be a part of a cohort survey, we will have 80% power to detect around 12% difference in the two groups in reported physical symptoms (20% vs. 32.3%), or prevalence of depression and/or anxiety at the end of the study.EthicsThe study was approved by the Cambridge East, Research Ethics Committee (20/EE/0166).Trial Registration NumberClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04433260.


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