scholarly journals The mental health status of asylum seekers in middle- to high-income countries: a synthesis of current global evidence

2020 ◽  
Vol 134 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Posselt ◽  
Heather McIntyre ◽  
Mtho Ngcanga ◽  
Thomas Lines ◽  
Nicholas Procter
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
High Income ◽  
World Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Host Countries ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction The last 5 years have witnessed a significant increase in the number of people fleeing their countries of origin and seeking refuge in host countries. By the end of 2018, there were 3.5 million asylum seekers awaiting outcomes on their applications, the majority of whom were hosted by middle- to high-income countries. This review aimed to identify and synthesize current knowledge regarding the mental health status of asylum seekers in middle- to high-income countries. Sources of data A search was conducted across various databases for research literature published within the last 5 years (2014–2019). The final review and synthesis included 25 articles. Areas of agreement Findings highlighted significant differences in the mental health status of asylum seekers compared to those with refugee status and permanent residence. Areas of controversy Guidelines from the World Health Organization and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees emphasize the need to understand and address mental health issues. Instead, there have been policy changes in many host countries regarding asylum applications, and the associated effects of these changes have been shown to negatively impact mental health. Growing points The synthesized findings from the present review provide information regarding the current mental health status of asylum seekers hosted by middle- to high-income countries. Areas of intervention and resource allocation were also identified. Areas timely for developing research Future research should consider the impact of large-scale, low-cost interventions to support the mental health of those seeking asylum.

scholarly journals Mental health status of refugee children

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
N Lemonjava ◽  
K Antia ◽  
M Lobjanidze ◽  
T Lobjanidze
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Refugee Children ◽  
Health State ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Host Countries

Abstract Background A number of refugees and asylum seekers have increased dramatically in recent years. More than 250 million people worldwide are considered as refugees (United Nations High Commission for Refugees, 2018), among whom more than 50% are children. General health and especially psychological health of the refugee and asylum seeking children are an emerging, however, not well explored issues. In this study, we aimed to review the literature on the psychological health of refugee children. Methods We performed a literature search and descriptive analysis of studies published until July 2019, through MEDLINE and Science Direct databases. We identified literature on psychological health state of refugee and asylum seeking children. We analysed results of 16 studies. Results The study found that refugee children are facing severe psychological health issues, such as Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, behavioural problems. We identified 3 phases of psychological trauma and stress among refugee children: stress due to conflict in their home countries, stress during migration, and upon the arrival to host country. Our analysis reviled integration difficulties such as racism and bulling as important stress factors for the refugee children. Studies found that prevalence of PTSD is more than 54% among refugee children residing in Norway, significantly higher than in reference population. The studies identified the need of regular mental health assessment and preventive care, psychological counselling services for the refugee children. All included studies showed significantly higher stress among refugee children when compared to local children in host countries. Conclusions Rehabilitation services and follow-up supportive programs should be implemented to improve the mental health status of refugee children; these interventions will also contribute to their better integration. Key messages Screening and regular monitoring provided by host countries healthcare system is crucial to identify high risk children. More research is needed to better investigate the psychological health state and needs of refugee children.

scholarly journals An assessment of mental health status of physicians working in medical college hospitals of Dhaka city

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 37-39
Author(s):  
Kazi Mahbubul Haque ◽  
Md Shafiqul Islam ◽  
Saida Sharmin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Dhaka City ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College ◽  
The Impact

Mental health status is often ignored in our country. Even many health care professionals commonly ignore the impact of mental illness on both daily and professional lives, which may lead to dire consequences. The purpose of this study was to find the mental health status of physicians working in medical college hospitals of Dhaka city. A cross sectional study was conducted from January to December 2015 for this purpose among 215 number of respondents selected conveniently. Data were collected from 210 physicians by face-to face interview using a semi structured questionnaire containing 4DSQ (Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire), socio economic and other variables. The prevalence of mental illness was calculated according to the scoring system of the scale. Mental illness prevalence was as follows: distress 20%, Anxiety 15.7%, Depression 15.2% and Somatization 8.6%. Majority of the respondents were interns and below 30 years of age. However, in light of current pandemic situation, regular assessment of health personnel’s mental health is needed more than ever. Bang J Psychiatry 2018;32(2): 37-39

The Impact of Recurrent Disasters on Mental Health: A Study on Seasonal Floods in Northern India

2013 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim R. Wind ◽  
Pooran C. Joshi ◽  
Rolf J. Kleber ◽  
Ivan H. Komproe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Physical Functioning ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Publication Type ◽  
Northern India ◽  
The Impact

AbstractIntroductionVery little is known on the impact of recurrent disasters on mental health.AimThe present study examines the immediate impact of a recurrent flood on mental health and functioning among an affected population in the rural district of Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, India, compared with a population in the same region that is not affected by floods.MethodsThe study compared 318 affected respondents with 308 individuals who were not affected by floods. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed by the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25). Psychological and physical functioning was assessed by using the Short Form-12 (SF-12).ResultsThe affected group showed large to very large differences with the comparison group on symptoms of anxiety (D = .92) and depression (D = 1.22). The affected group scored significantly lower on psychological and physical functioning than the comparison group (respectively D = .33 and D = .80). However, hierarchical linear regressions showed no significant relationship between mental health and the domains of functioning in the affected group, whereas mental health and the domains of functioning were significantly related in the comparison group.ConclusionThis study found a large negative impact of the recurrent floods on mental health outcomes and psychological and physical functioning. However, in a context with recurrent floods, disaster mental health status is not a relevant predictor of functioning. The findings suggest that the observed mental health status and impaired functioning in this context are also outcomes of another mechanism: Both outcomes are likely to be related to the erosion of the social and environmental and material context. As such, the findings refer to a need to implement psychosocial context-oriented interventions to address the erosion of the context rather than specific mental health interventions.WindTR, JoshiPC, KleberRJ, KomproeIH. The impact of recurrent disasters on mental health: a study on seasonal floods in northern India. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(3):1-7.

A critical review of research on the mental health status of older African-Americans

2002 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
TERRY L. MILLS ◽  
CARLA D. A. EDWARDS
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Risk And Resilience ◽  
Late Life Depression ◽  
Health Maintenance ◽  
Older African Americans ◽  
The Impact

This paper summarises current research on the mental health status of older African-Americans with a specific focus on late-life depression, one of the most common forms of mental disorder among older persons. Social gerontologists have brought to the forefront the need to consider the impact of historical eras, cohort location, and lifecourse development when studying various dimensions of the ageing process. Unfortunately, this type of theorising is still in its infancy, and has not been widely applied to the general population and all dimensions of health, let alone investigations into the mental health status of older African-Americans. Virtually none of the empirical studies we reviewed adequately address the historical, biographical, or structural factors related to the mental health status of older African-Americans. We suggest that to understand contemporary manifestations of racial presumptions, there must be an appreciation of the historical antecedents. African-Americans live with the corrosive effects of a legacy of slavery that presumed black inferiority. The identification of salient factors of risk and resilience among this population is critical to developing effective intervention and mental health maintenance programmes. By emphasising the socio-historical influences on the mental health of older African-Americans, we can develop a greater understanding of this population's mental health needs; thus paving the way for improved mental health services and a reduction in mental health disparities.

scholarly journals Mental Health Status of Healthcare Professionals and Students of Health Sciences Faculties in Kuwait during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2203
Author(s):  
Zahra Alsairafi ◽  
Abdallah Y. Naser ◽  
Fatemah M. Alsaleh ◽  
Abdelmoneim Awad ◽  
Zahraa Jalal
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
The Impact

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.

scholarly journals Physical Condition and Mental Health Status in Physically Independent Older Women

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-300
Author(s):  
Ana Zaragoza ◽  
María Carrasco
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Physical Condition ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
World Health ◽  
Physical Test ◽  
Mental Test ◽  
Normal Limits

There exists both a physical and mental deterioration that affects the functional status of elderly people. It is expected to determine the level of physical condition and the mental health status of old physically autonomous women and establish relationships. A sample of thirty women aged 67.52±3.1 was taken. While physical condition was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT), for the mental health was used the Mini-Mental test. Besides, weight and height were recorded and body mass index was calculated (BMI). Regarding BMI and following World Health Organization’s criteria related to obesity, the sample is not outside the typical limits. Scores of SFT determined that all results were within normal limits except those of the two-minute walk’s test and the flexibility focused on the lower body, balance and agility. The Mini-Mental test results are also within the normal limits. A positive moderate correlation (r=0.67) was obtained from the static equilibrium test thanks to a strength test of the lower extremity. People with more strength in the lower extremity obtained lower scores in the agility test (r=-0.67). There is moderate positive correlation (r=0.62) between the test of agility and speed of travel. Correlations of physical test with the Mini-Mental are low. Definitely, the level of physical fitness and mental health is in the normal range. It has not been found a relationship between the physical fitness and the mental health status.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity and Mental Health of Physiotherapy Students, Vadodara - A Cross Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 294-300
Author(s):  
Lalli Singh ◽  
Devangi Desai
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Moderate Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Physiotherapy Students

Background:- Lockdown in India happened due to COVID-19 pandemic. In this lockdown, government urged people to stay at home to prevent the spread of the virus. Prolonged homestay for longer duration leads to sedentary behavior which affects physical as well as mental health of the individuals. Aim:- This study aimed at determining the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the physical activity and mental health of physiotherapy college students. Also to know the correlation between physical activity and mental health in physiotherapy students keeping pandemic COVID-19 in between them. Method:- A web-based survey was undertaken. 250 physiotherapy students were approached out of which 214 had successfully filled up the entire form. The questionnaire of IPAQ(SF) for physical activity level and DASS-21 for mental health were used. Data Analysis:- Prevalence for physical activity and prevalence of mental health status for physiotherapy students was calculated and presented in form of frequency distribution and spearman’s correlation was used to find the any relation between them. Results:- Prevalence of 79% was obtained for mild physical activity. 17% for moderate physical activity and 4% severe physical activity was obtained. Prevalence of mental health status were noted it showed 29.90% mild, 32.71% moderate and 10.73% severe level of affection in physiotherapy students. Also, there is a weak positive co relation between physical activity and mental health of physiotherapy students considering pandemic. Conclusion:- With the present study it can be concluded that there is a significant reduction in the physical activity and also prevalence for mental health status shows deterioration level among physiotherapy students. Looking at the current scenario early intervention are needed to improve the mental health status and physical activity of physiotherapy students. Key words: Covid 19, lockdown, stress, physical activity and health status.

scholarly journals 556 - The Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on elderly’s mental health

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 96-97
Author(s):  
Sofia Ramos Ferreira ◽  
Daniela Pereira ◽  
Horácio Firmino
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
World Health ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

Background:Since the disease caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, countries around the globe adopted measures of social distancing to limit the spread of the virus. Although social distancingmeasures are essential preventive mechanisms, they can promote feelings of loneliness and influence the onset or exacerbation of psychiatric disorders. Current knowledge about the impact of COVID-19 on mental health - and in particular on mental health of the geriatric population - is still scarce.Research Objective:The present review aimed to analyze the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the elderly´s mental health and to suggest measures that can mitigate this impact.Method:A non-systematic review of the literature, through bibliographic research in Pubmed and Embase databases - using the keywords “COVID-19", “SARS-CoV-2", “Coronavirus”, “Aging”, “Older adults”, “Elderly”, “Quarantine” and “Mental health” -was performed.Preliminary results of the ongoing study:The available literature points towards a likely increase in mental disorders as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This phenomena may be particularly relevant in the elderly population. Several measures – pharmacological and non-pharmacological – can help to maintain the physical and mental health of the elderly.Conclusion:The COVID-19 pandemic had an important impact in elderly’s mental health. This subject should be addressed by profissionals/caregivers and measures tominimize negative consequences are in order.

scholarly journals Changes in the Mental Health Status of Frail and Pre-Frail Older Adults Over a 1-year Period

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia K. Y. Lai ◽  
Justina Y. W. Liu ◽  
Daphne S. K. Cheung ◽  
Kenny C. W. Chin ◽  
Mimi M. Y. Tse
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
World Health ◽  
World Health Organization Quality ◽  
Frail Older Adults

Abstract Background This prospective observational study examined changes in the mental health status of frail and pre-frail older adults over a 1-year period, a topic lacking in-depth exploration in the literature. Method Fried Frailty Index was used to differentiate frailty status in participants recruited from community centres and residential care facilities in Hong Kong. Demographic and clinical data were collected using face-to-face interview at baseline and repeated after 12 months. Results Physical functioning, comorbidities, and psychological and environment domains (World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument) impacted the cognitive functioning, depressive symptoms, and sense of loneliness in the sample (N=107). Functional health and vision had a significant impact on cognitive status; depression negatively associated with comorbidity, functional health, and quality of life domains (psychological and environment); loneliness was affected by both age and environment. Conclusion The findings showed that frail and pre-frail older adults have complex needs in relation to their mental health even just over a 1-year period. Intervention programs on frailty that focus on physical aspects will not suffice. Programs for frailty also need to incorporate mental health components to enhance health and wellbeing.

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