scholarly journals Treatment gap and mental health service use among Syrian refugees in Sultanbeyli, Istanbul: a cross-sectional survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. C. Fuhr ◽  
C. Acarturk ◽  
M. McGrath ◽  
Z. Ilkkursun ◽  
E. Sondorp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Treatment Gap ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Attitudes

Abstract Aims Syrian refugees may have increased mental health needs due to the frequent exposure to potentially traumatic events and violence experienced during the flight from their home country, breakdown of supportive social networks and daily life stressors related to refugee life. The aim of this study is to report evidence on mental health needs and access to mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) among Syrians refugees living in Sultanbeyli-Istanbul, Turkey. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Syrian refugees aged 18 years or over in Sultanbeyli between February and May 2018. We used random sampling to select respondents by using the registration system of the municipality. Data among 1678 Syrian refugees were collected on mental health outcomes using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist (PCL-5) and the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25) for depression and anxiety. We also collected data on health care utilisation, barriers to seeking and continuing care as well as knowledge and attitudes towards mental health. Descriptive analyses were used. Results The estimated prevalence of symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety was 19.6, 34.7 and 36.1%, respectively. In total, 249 respondents (15%) screened positive for either PTSD, depression or anxiety in our survey and self-reported emotional/behavioural problems since arriving in Sultanbeyli. The treatment gap (the proportion of these 249 people who did not seek care) was 89% for PTSD, 90% for anxiety and 88% for depression. Several structural and attitudinal barriers for not seeking care were reported, including the cost of mental health care, the belief that time would improve symptoms, fear of being stigmatised and lack of knowledge on where and how to get help. Some negative attitudes towards people with mental health problems were reported by respondents. Conclusions Syrian refugees hardly access MHPSS services despite high mental health needs, and despite formally having access to the public mental health system in Turkey. To overcome the treatment gap, MHPSS programmes need to be implemented in the community and need to overcome the barriers to seeking care which were identified in this study. Mental health awareness raising activities should be provided in the community alongside the delivery of psychological interventions. This is to increase help-seeking and to tackle negative attitudes towards mental health and people with mental health problems.

scholarly journals Treatment gap and mental health service use among Syrian refugees in Turkey

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
D C Fuhr ◽  
C Ataturk ◽  
M McGrath ◽  
Z Ilkkursun ◽  
A Woodward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Service Use ◽  
Continuing Care ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Treatment Gap

Abstract Introduction Turkey hosts the highest number of Syrian refugees in Europe. Refugees are often vulnerable to situational forms of psychosocial distress as a consequence of exposure to war and violence which may result in more profound mental health problems if no treatment is sought. The aim of this study is to report evidence on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs, access and barriers to MHPSS care among Syrians refugees living in Istanbul, Turkey. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Syrian refugees aged 18 years or over in Istanbul (Sultanbeyli) between February and May 2018. Data among 1’678 Syrian refugees were collected on mental health outcomes using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist (PCL-5) and the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25) for depression and anxiety. We also collected data on health care utilization, barriers to seeking and continuing care as well as knowledge and attitudes towards mental health. Descriptive analyses were used. Results The prevalence of PTSD, depression and anxiety was 19.6%, 34.7% and 36.1% respectively. The treatment gap was 89% for PTSD, 90% for anxiety and 88% for depression. 249 respondents (15%) screened positive for either PTSD, depression or anxiety in our survey and self-reported emotional/behavioural problems since arriving in Sultanbeyli. Several structural and attitudinal barriers for not seeking care were reported. Conclusions To overcome the treatment gap, mental health care programmes need to be more responsive to the needs of Syrian refugees. Barriers to seeking and continuing care can be overcome by providing MHPSS services in the community which facilitate access to care. Community-based programmes of care should be supported by activities which increase awareness about mental health issues and tackle negative attitudes towards mental illness. Key messages This study provides the first nationally representative data on the mental health of Syrian refugees in Turkey, and shows that refugees have high mental health needs. Syrian refugees do not seek mental health care despite availability of mental health services in the community.

scholarly journals Supporting Student’s Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Survey for School Nurses

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 129
Author(s):  
Pihla Markkanen ◽  
Minna Anttila ◽  
Maritta Välimäki
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
School Nurses ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Similar Proportion ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Culturally Diverse Students ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Mental Health Support

Children’s and adolescents’ health problems are often related to mental health, and their wellbeing should be supported in schools. This study describes school nurses’ role and how equipped they are in recognizing students’ mental health needs and in supporting students’ mental health. Moreover, we explored the methods used and the barriers that exist for supporting students’ mental health. A national survey for members of the Finnish Public Health Association working as school nurses was conducted (n = 136/648, 21%). The survey questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data using manifest content analysis. Participants (n = 127/133, 96%) agreed that they had an important role in ensuring that students’ mental health needs are met on time. Around one-third reported training needs for mental health interventions (n = 42/115, 36%), and a similar proportion (n = 42/136, 31%) indicated lacking adequate knowledge and skills for supporting mental health among culturally diverse students. Identified barriers for students getting help were a lack of options for sending students to mental health services (n = 92/134, 69%) and a lack of adequate training (n = 81/134, 68%). School nurses are key in providing early mental health support to students. Therefore, the availability of intervention education and training on assessing and supporting students’ mental health is needed and should be improved.

scholarly journals Risk Factors for Depression and Anxiety Disorders Among Bangladeshi Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Omar Faruk ◽  
Mohammed A. Mamun ◽  
Abu Bakkar Siddique ◽  
Mark D. Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Dental Student ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

AbstractDental students are highly prone to mental health suffering due to the stressors related to their educational, academic, and clinical environment. However, there are no previous studies that evaluated the mental health problems among dental students in Bangladesh. Therefore, the present study assessed the prevalence of depression and anxiety and its covariates. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among the students of five (out of a total of nine) Bangladeshi public dental institutes. The survey included the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, and questions relating to sociodemographic factors, personal suffering, and family mental health history. Results indicated that the prevalence rates for moderate to severe depression and anxiety were 27.4% and 18.2%, respectively. The risk factors for depression and anxiety were being female, coming from city areas, having past-year psychological and physical suffering, having past-year traumatic events, and having a family history of mental illness, as well as a range of suicide-related behaviors. The prevalence rates of depression and anxiety in the present study were relatively lower than other dental student cohorts residing outside Bangladesh. Further investigations are suggested based on the limitations and strengths of the present study.

scholarly journals Mental health needs of young offenders in custody and in the community

2006 ◽  
Vol 188 (6) ◽  
pp. 534-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prathiba Chitsabesan ◽  
Leo Kroll ◽  
Sue Bailey ◽  
Cassandra Kenning ◽  
Stephanie Sneider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Young Offenders ◽  
Psychosocial Needs ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Programme ◽  
England And Wales

BackgroundResearch has revealed high levels of mental health needs in young offenders but many studies have been small, focusing on specific populations.AimsTo evaluate the mental health and psychosocial needs of a nationally representative sample of juvenile offenders in England and Wales, including female offenders and those from Black and minority ethnic groups.MethodA cross-sectional survey of 301 young offenders, 151 in custody and 150 in the community, was conducted in six geographically representative areas across England and Wales. Each young person was interviewed to obtain demographic information, mental health and social needs, and psychometric data.ResultsYoung offenders were found to have high levels of needs in a number of different areas including mental health (31%), education/work (36%) and social relationships (48%). Young offenders in the community had significantly more needs than those in secure care and needs were often unmet. One in five young offenders was also identified as having a learning disability (IQ < 70).ConclusionsNeeds for young offenders were high but often unmet. This emphasises the importance of structured needs assessment within custody and community settings in conjunction with a care programme approach that improves continuity of care.

scholarly journals Supporting the emotional needs of young people in care: a qualitative study of foster carer perspectives

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. e033317
Author(s):  
Rachel M Hiller ◽  
Sarah L Halligan ◽  
Richard Meiser-Stedman ◽  
Elizabeth Elliott ◽  
Emily Rutter-Eley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Depth Information ◽  
Emotional Needs ◽  
Mental Health Systems ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Qualitative Focus Groups

ObjectivesYoung people who have been removed from their family home and placed in care have often experienced maltreatment and there is well-developed evidence of poor psychological outcomes. Once in care, foster carers often become the adult who provides day-to-day support, yet we know little about how they provide this support or the challenges to and facilitators of promoting better quality carer–child relationships. The aim of this study was to understand how carers support the emotional needs of the young people in their care and their views on barriers and opportunities for support.Design and participantsParticipants were 21 UK foster carers, recruited from a local authority in England. They were predominantly female (86%), aged 42–65 years old and ranged from those who were relatively new to the profession (<12 months’ experience) to those with over 30 years of experience as a carer. We ran three qualitative focus groups to gather in-depth information about their views on supporting their foster children’s emotional well-being. Participants also completed short questionnaires about their training experiences and sense of competence.ResultsOnly half of the sample strongly endorsed feeling competent in managing the emotional needs of their foster children. While all had completed extensive training, especially on attachment, diagnosis-specific training for mental health problems (eg, trauma-related distress, depression) was less common. Thematic analysis showed consistent themes around the significant barriers carers faced navigating social care and mental health systems, and mixed views around the best way to support young people, particularly those with complex mental health needs and in relation to reminders of their early experiences.ConclusionsFindings have important implications for practice and policy around carer training and support, as well as for how services support the mental health needs of young people in care.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Depression Symptoms and Associated Sociodemographic and Clinical Correlates Among Syrian Refugees in Lebanon

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hady Naal ◽  
Dana Nabulsi ◽  
Nour El Arnaout ◽  
Lina Abdouni ◽  
Hani Dimassi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Clinical Correlates ◽  
Syrian Refugee ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression

Abstract Background: Since the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011, close to 6 million Syrian refugees have escaped to Syria’s neighbouring countries, including Lebanon. Evidence suggests rising levels of mental health disorders among Syrian refugee populations. Yet, to the best of our knowledge, large-scale studies addressing the mental health of adult Syrian refugees in Lebanon are lacking. Aims: We examined the prevalence of depression symptoms, which represent a common and debilitating mental health disorder among Syrian refugee populations in Lebanon, along with their sociodemographic and clinical correlates.Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was conducted as part of a collaborative project-“Sijilli”- led by the Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut (Beirut, Lebanon) across 4 informal tented settlements for refugees (Beirut, Bekaa, North, South) in Lebanon among adult Syrian refugees (≥18), over a period extending from 2018 to 2020. The survey inquired about participants’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and screened participants for symptoms of depression through sequential methodology using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2 and PHQ-9). Results: A total of 3255 adult Syrian refugees were enrolled in the study. Of those refugees, only 51.6% (n=1678) screened positive on the PHQ-2 and were therefore eligible to complete the PHQ-9. The PHQ-9 analysis revealed high prevalence (25%) of moderate to severe depression in the total sample, suggestive of high probability for major depression disorder (MDD). Further analyses indicate that being ≥45 years of age (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.22-2.36), a woman (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.07-1.69), divorced/separated (OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.57-7.01), reporting a neurological (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.20-2.61) or a mental health condition (OR 5.30, 95% CI 2.40-11.66) are major risk factors for MDD.Conclusion: Our study suggests that one in four Syrian refugees in Lebanon have probable MDD, and our findings have important public health and clinical implications on refugee health. There is a need to enhance screening efforts, to improve access and referral to mental health services, and to improve post-migration factors among Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

scholarly journals A repeated cross-sectional survey assessing university students' stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidality in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Debowska ◽  
Beata Horeczy ◽  
Daniel Boduszek ◽  
Dariusz Dolinski
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Adult Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Medical Psychology ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background The time of widespread outbreaks of infectious diseases can lead to elevated stress and mental health problems among all persons affected, and in particular those sub-groups of the population that are at an increased risk of mental health problems. One such vulnerable group constitutes university students. The aim of this study is to assess stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidality among different groups of university students (medical, psychology, and other). Methods Using a repeated cross-sectional study design, we collected survey data among a large sample of 7228 university students from Poland (mean age = 22.78, s.d. = 4.40; 81% female). Data were collected in five waves, during the first 2 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe (March and April 2020). Results The results demonstrate a significant increase in depression levels as the pandemic was progressing. We also found that female students scored significantly higher than male students on depression, anxiety, and stress. Psychology students recorded the lowest scores on depression and anxiety. Young adult students (aged 18–24 years) had more symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality than adult students (⩾25 years). Conclusions These results provide insights into stress and mental health among university students during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings can be used for a more effective identification of students who may struggle during next stages of the pandemic and future crises.

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