scholarly journals Qualitative study on mental health and well-being of Syrian refugees and their coping mechanisms towards integration in the UK

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e046065
Author(s):  
Priyamvada Paudyal ◽  
Mais Tattan ◽  
Maxwell J F Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Cultural Difference ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Structured Interviews

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the mental well-being of Syrian refugees and identify their coping mechanisms and pathways towards integration into new communities.DesignQualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interviews.Setting and participantsAdult Syrian refugees (>18 years old) currently residing in South East of England.Results12 participants (3 women and 9 men) took part in the study, all were born in Syria and the majority (n=9) were over 45 years of age. Our findings show that Syrian refugees face constant challenges as they try to integrate into a new society. Loss of and separation from loved ones as well as the nostalgia for the homeland were often cited as a source of psychological distress that created an overwhelming sense of sadness. Participants reported that they struggled for connectedness due to cultural difference and the problematic nature of rapidly formed migrant communities in their new setting. They believed in ‘being their own doctor’ and turning to faith, ritual and nature for healing and comfort. Taboo and stigma around mental health and language barriers were cited as barriers to accessing mental healthcare services.ConclusionPast experiences and present challenges frame Syrian refugees’ sense of well-being, impact use of healthcare and risk future mental health problems. It is hoped that this study will act as a catalyst for further research on this vulnerable group to promote integration, community support and culturally sensitive mental health services.

Psychological Distress in Iranian Military Personnel: A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azizeh Alizadeh1 ◽  
Behnaz Dowran ◽  
maryam azizi ◽  
Seyed -Hossein Salimi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Military Personnel ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Military Organization ◽  
Military Members ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
The Military

Abstract Background: Military personnel are likely to encounter mental health problems due to High-risk occupations associated with significant levels of psychological distress. The aim of the present study was to explore psychological distress experienced by Iranian military personnel. Methods: The present qualitative study was conducted on 15 Iranian military personnel. Purposeful sampling was used to select the participants and continued until data saturation was reached. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and then the qualitative data were analyzed through direct content analysis. Results: By analyzing show 395 primary codes, 2 main categories, including demands and resources were extracted from the experiences of military members. The categories included several sub-categories, which were classified according to their significant characteristics. Findings of this study ascertain that different factors affect the military member’s psychological distress.Conclusions: Military organization and leaders should consider the factors of psychological distress that raised by specialists, and assign policies to improve their mental health. According to the present results, it is recommended that the process of psychological distress in military members be investigated further.

Safe but isolated – an interview study with Iraqi refugees in Sweden about social networks, social support, and mental health

2020 ◽  
pp. 002076402095425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Sundvall ◽  
David Titelman ◽  
Valerie DeMarinis ◽  
Liubov Borisova ◽  
Önver Çetrez
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Iraqi Refugees ◽  
Structured Interviews

Background: Problems with social networks and social support are known to be associated with mental ill-health in refugees. Social support after migration promotes resilience. Aim: To study how Iraqi refugees who arrived in Sweden after the year 2000 perceived their social networks and social support, and to relate the observed network characteristics and changes to the refugees’ mental health and well-being. Method: Semi-structured interviews with 31 refugees, including questions on background and migration experiences, a biographical network map, and three health assessment scales. The findings were analysed with descriptive statistics and content thematic analysis. Results: The respondents’ networks were diminished. Social support was continued to be provided mainly by family members and supplemented by support from authorities. The main themes of the refugee experience of post-migration challenges were weakened social networks, barriers to integration and challenges to cultural and religious belonging. Failed reunion and worrying about relatives was described as particularly painful. Negative contacts with authority persons were often seen as humiliating or discriminating. Acquiring a new cultural belonging was described as challenging. At the same time, changing family and gender roles made it more difficult to preserve and develop the culture of origin. Traumatic experiences and mental health problems were common in this group. Family issues were more often than integration difficulties associated with mental health problems. Conclusion: In order to strengthen post-migration well-being and adaptation, authorities should support the refugees’ social networks. Clinicians need to address post-migration problems and challenges, including the meaning and function of social networks.

scholarly journals Stabilizing Techniques and Guided Imagery for Traumatized Male Refugees in a German State Registration and Reception Center: A Qualitative Study on a Psychotherapeutic Group Intervention

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catharina Zehetmair ◽  
Inga Tegeler ◽  
Claudia Kaufmann ◽  
Anne Klippel ◽  
Luise Reddemann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Guided Imagery ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
German State ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
State Registration

Refugees have an increased risk of developing mental health problems. Due to the unstable setting in refugee state registration and reception centers, recommended trauma-focused treatment approaches are often not applicable. For this purpose, we devised a suitable therapeutic approach to treat traumatized refugees in a German state registration and reception center: Group therapy, focusing on stabilizing techniques and guided imagery according to Reddemann (2017). From May 2017 to April 2018, we conducted semi-structured interviews with n = 30 traumatized refugees to assess their experiences with the stabilizing techniques and guided imagery in group sessions and self-practice. Participants mainly reported that they had more pleasant feelings, felt increasingly relaxed, and could better handle recurrent thoughts. Additionally, the participants noticed that their psychosocial functioning had improved. The main difficulties that participants encountered were feeling stressed, having difficulties staying focused, or concentrating on the techniques. During self-practice, the participants found it most challenging that they did not have any verbal guidance, were often distracted by the surroundings in the accommodation, and had recurrent thoughts about post-migratory stressors, such as insecurity concerning the future or the application for asylum. Our results show that stabilizing techniques and guided imagery according to Reddemann (2017) are a suitable approach to treat traumatized refugees living in volatile conditions.

scholarly journals Vocational rehabilitation via social firms: a qualitative investigation of the views and experiences of employees with mental health problems, social firm managers and clinicians

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Morant ◽  
Alyssa Milton ◽  
Eleanor Gilbert ◽  
Sonia Johnson ◽  
Nicholas Parsons ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Vocational Rehabilitation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Mental Health Clinicians ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background Employment within social firms in the UK is under-developed and under-researched, but a potentially beneficial route to vocational rehabilitation for people with mental health problems. This study explores the views and experiences of employees with mental ill-health, managers of social firms and mental health clinicians, in order to understand the potential value of social firms for the vocational rehabilitation, employment and well-being of people with mental health problems. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 employees with mental health problems in 11 social firms in England. A focus group and individual interviews were conducted with 12 managers of social firms. Two focus groups were held with 16 mental health clinicians. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Most employees expressed very positive views about working in a social firm. In responses from both employees and social firm managers, an overarching theme regarding the supportive ethos of social firms encompassed several related features: openness about mental health issues; peer, team and management support; flexibility; and support to progress and develop skills over time. Managers identified benefits of employing people with mental health problems who were sufficiently recovered. Knowledge of social firms within clinician focus groups was very limited, although clinicians thought they could be a welcome additional vocational resource. Conclusions High levels of job satisfaction among social firm employees may be explained by the supportive ethos of these working environments. Social firms have potential to be a helpful addition to the range of vocational pathways available for people with mental ill-health. Further mixed methods investigations of experiences and outcomes in order to understand who engages with and benefits from this form of vocational rehabilitation would be valuable in informing decisions about scaling up the model.

Concepts of Resilience Among Trauma-Exposed Syrian Refugees

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-268
Author(s):  
Rawan Atari-Khan ◽  
Anna Hope Covington ◽  
Lawrence H. Gerstein ◽  
Huda al Herz ◽  
Betsy R. Varner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Internally Displaced ◽  
External Sources ◽  
Displaced People ◽  
Internal Sources

Syrian refugees comprise the largest population of internally displaced people in the world, with about 18,000 Syrian refugees resettled in the United States from 2011 to 2016. Although many of these individuals experience trauma that can lead to different mental health problems, most are quite resilient. This qualitative study explores themes of resilience in Syrian refugees, and how these themes differ from Western ideas of resilience. Eight in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Syrian adults in the United States. Questions focused on three experiences: preflight, flight, and postflight. Interviews were conducted in Arabic with a bilingual translator. Thematic analysis was used to identify concepts of resilience. Themes that emerged included: life in Syria outside of conflict, life in Syria during war, seeking refuge, life in the United States, hardships and challenges, systemic failure, comparison between cultures, health and well-being, external sources of resilience, and internal sources of resilience. We discuss research and counseling implications of these results.

scholarly journals When COVID-19 enters in a community setting: an exploratory qualitative study of community perspectives on COVID-19 affecting mental well-being

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e049851
Author(s):  
Naureen Akber Ali ◽  
Anam Shahil Feroz ◽  
Noshaba Akber ◽  
Rida Feroz ◽  
Salima Nazim Meghani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Community Perception ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Anxiety And Fear

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increased level of anxiety and fear among the general population related to its management and infection spread. Considering the relevance of present circumstances, we explored perceptions and attitudes of community members towards their mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.SettingWe conducted an exploratory qualitative study using a purposive sampling approach, at two communities of Karachi, Pakistan.ParticipantsIn-depth interviews were conducted with community members including, young adults, middle-aged adults and older adults of both genders. Study data were analysed manually using the thematic analysis technique.Primary outcomeThe primary outcome is assessing community perception towards their mental well-being amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsA total of 27 in-depth interviews were conducted, between May and June 2020. Three overarching themes were identified: (1) impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of the general communities; (2) current coping mechanisms to adapt to the new reality and (3) recommendations to address the mental health of communities. Generally, community members underwent increased anxiety and fear due to the contagious nature of the virus. Alongside, social, financial and religious repercussions of the pandemic have also heightened psychological distress among community members. However, community members were able to point out some of the coping mechanisms such as getting closer to God, connecting with family, participating in mental health sessions and resetting lives by indulging in diverse activities. Simultaneously, they also recommended the need for remote mental health services for elders and continuous efforts by the government to address the mental health needs of the community.ConclusionCOVID-19-associated mental health consequences have hit every individual in society. The study finding has the potential to guide the development of context-specific innovative mental health programmes to overcome the pandemic repercussions.

scholarly journals When COVID-19 Enters in a Community Setting: An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Community Perspectives on COVID-19 Affecting Mental Well-Being

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naureen Akber Ali ◽  
Anam Shahil Feroz ◽  
Noshaba Ali ◽  
Ridah Feroz ◽  
Salima Nazim Meghani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Community Members ◽  
The Government ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Anxiety And Fear

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly resulted in an increased level of anxiety and fear among the general population related to its management and infection spread. Due to the current unprecedented situation the normal routine life of every individual has been hindered which may cause florid mental distress. Considering the relevance of present circumstances we explored perceptions and attitudes of community members towards COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on their mental well-being. Methods: We conducted an exploratory qualitative study using a purposive sampling approach, at two communities of Karachi, Pakistan. In-depth interviews were conducted with community members including, young adults, middle-age adults, and older adults of both genders. Study data was analyzed manually using the conventional content analysis technique. Results: A total of 27 in-depth interviews were conducted, between May and June, 2020. Three overarching themes were identified: (I) Impact of COVID-19 on mental health of the general communities; (II) Current coping mechanisms to adapt to the new reality; and (III) Recommendations to address mental health of communities. Generally community members underwent increased anxiety and fear due to the contagious nature of the virus. Alongside, social, financial and religious repercussions of the pandemic have also heightened psychological distress among community members. However, community members were able to point out some of the coping mechanisms such as getting closer to God, connecting with family, participating in mental health sessions and resetting lives by indulging in diverse activities. Simultaneously, they also recommended the need of remote mental health services for elders and continuous efforts by the government to address mental health needs of the community at larger scale.Conclusion: COVID-19-associated mental health consequences have hit every individual in the society. The study finding has the potentialto guide the development of context-specific innovative mental health programs to overcome the pandemic repercussions.

Benefits of a Recovery-Oriented Knowledge Translation Program for Mental Health Community Support Teams: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Catherine Briand ◽  
Danielle Routhier ◽  
Régis Hakin ◽  
Brigitte Vachon ◽  
Rose-Anne St-Paul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Knowledge Translation ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Health Community ◽  
Collaborative Platform

In most developed countries, health systems are attempting to compensate for underuse scientific evidence and its integration into healthcare services and practices. This qualitative study aimed to identify perceived benefits of a knowledge translation program implemented within mental health community services ((At your fingertips, Quebec, 2016-2018)). Results suggests that the production of a collaborative platform composed of a variety of activities and techno-educational tools, derived from integrated knowledge, facilitates the uptake by professionals in a context of reflective practices. Dissemination of these tools through technology of information and communication provides access to best recovery-oriented practices at your fingertips.

scholarly journals Healthcare professionals’ perspectives on identifying and managing perinatal anxiety: a qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (688) ◽  
pp. e768-e776 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Silverwood ◽  
Annabel Nash ◽  
Carolyn A Chew-Graham ◽  
Jacqualyn Walsh-House ◽  
Athula Sumathipala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Public Involvement ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Patient And Public Involvement ◽  
Perinatal Mental Health ◽  
Data Generation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Perinatal Anxiety

BackgroundPerinatal mental health problems are those that occur during pregnancy or up to 12 months postpartum, and affect up to 20% of women. Perinatal anxiety (PNA) is at least as common as depression during the perinatal phase and can adversely impact on both mother and child. Despite this, research into anxiety has received less attention than depression. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance on perinatal mental health has identified PNA as a research priority.AimTo explore the perspectives and experiences of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the identification and management of PNA.Design and settingThis was a qualitative study in primary and secondary care set in the West Midlands from February 2017 to December 2017.MethodSemi-structured interviews (n = 23) with a range of HCPs. Iterative approach to data generation and analysis, using principles of constant comparison. Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) group was involved throughout the study.ResultsTwenty-three HCPs interviewed: 10 GPs, seven midwives, five health visitors, and one obstetrician. Four themes were uncovered: PNA as an ‘unfamiliar concept’; reliance on clinical intuition and not clinical tools; fragmentation of care; and opportunities to improve care.ConclusionAwareness and understanding of PNA among HCPs is variable, with debate over what is ‘normal’ anxiety in pregnancy. HCPs suggested that PNA can be challenging to identify, with mixed views on the use and value of case-finding tools. Opportunistic identification was noted to be significant to aid diagnosis. Care for women diagnosed with PNA was reported to be fragmented and interprofessional communication poor. Potential solutions to improve care were identified.

scholarly journals A qualitative study on mental health and wellbeing of Syrian refugees in the UK

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Tattan ◽  
P Paudyal ◽  
M Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background The Syrian conflict has resulted in an estimated 5.3 million registered Syrian refugees in various parts of the world. Evidence suggests that these individuals are at considerable risk of developing common mental disorders. This study aimed to explore the mental wellbeing of Syrian refugees, identify their coping mechanisms and pathways towards integration into new communities, and formulate recommendations for better access to mental healthcare services. Methods We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interviews with adult refugees (>18 years old) who are currently residing in Southeast of England. Interviews were conducted in Arabic, recorded, transcribed and translated verbatim. Translated transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical Approval was obtained from the Brighton and Sussex Medical School Research Governance Ethics Committee (ER/BSMS9DAP/1). Results Twelve participants (3 females and 9 males) took part in the study; all were born in Syria and the majority (n = 9) were over 45 years of age. Participants described symptoms of reduced psychological wellbeing. Preliminary findings shows that almost all participants talked about psychological distress resulting from previous trauma, loss of and separation from family members and challenges adjusting to their host country. Barriers to accessing the healthcare system in the UK included fear of stigma, being misunderstood by healthcare staff and language issues. Communicating with loved ones, connecting with nature, practising faith and pursuing hobbies were reported as coping strategies. Conclusions For Syrian refugees in the UK, mental wellbeing embraces living with past traumatic experiences, achieving social integration and facing challenges accessing healthcare. Understanding differences between refugee and host communities is key to appropriately cater to the specific needs of each community and achieve equity in healthcare access. Key messages Syrian refugees in UK described symptoms of reduced psychological wellbeing. Understanding the needs of refugee communities is necessary to achieve equity in healthcare access.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document