Abstract
BackgroundForced migrant populations have high rates of trauma-related ill health, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Physical activity (PA) is well-established as an effective stress reliever, while insufficient PA is associated with adverse effects on both mental and physical health. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of different levels of PA and its association with PTSD symptom severity, controlled for exposure to torture, among asylum seekers in Sweden.MethodsA cross-sectional survey study, with data from 455 asylum seekers, originating from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Somalia, and Syria, residing at large housing facilities across Sweden. Level of PA was assessed by the Exercise Vital Sign and categorized as; Inactive, Insufficient PA, and Sufficient PA. Prevalence estimates for proportions of different levels of PA were calculated. Analysis of variance were conducted to determine the association between levels of PA and PTSD symptom severity, measured by the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the contribution of PA on PTSD beyond sex, age, and exposure to torture.ResultsAbout half of the participants (53.3, 95% CI: 48.6–58.1) met the recommendations for Sufficient PA. One third of the participants (33.3, 95% CI: 28.7–37.8) were insufficiently engaged in PA, and 13.4% (95% CI: 10.1–16.7) were inactive. There was a significant difference in PTSD symptom severity between groups of asylum seekers with different levels of PA (F(2, 316) = 23.15, p < .001). When controlling for sex, age, and exposure to torture, Sufficient PA was found to be associated with less PTSD symptom severity compared to both Insufficient PA (B = 0.297, SE = 0.086, p < .001) and Inactive (B = 0.789, SE = 0.104, p < .001).ConclusionsInsufficient PA was common among the asylum seekers and our findings suggest that more PA is highly associated with lower PTSD symptom severity. An increased focus on assessment and promotion of PA is justified and discussed as particularly pertinent considering the much extended time of asylum-seeking processes. The results support previous evidence of PA as a potentially important factor in the context of PTSD and forced migrants’ health.
Highlights
Forced migrant populations have high rates of trauma-related ill health, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Insufficient Physical activity (PA) was common among the asylum seekers and our findings suggest that more PA is highly associated with lower PTSD symptom severity
Characteristics of participants In total, 455 asylum seekers were included in the study by responding to the questionnaire (26.8% of the eligible residents)
Summary
Forced migrant populations have high rates of trauma-related ill health, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Exposure to trauma and extreme stress often continue both during and after the migration Experiences such as separation from family, dangerous travel methods, continued conflicts in home country, prolonged and uncertain asylum processes, socioeconomic difficulties, and perceived racism may add to previous traumatic experiences and contribute to the development or maintenance of both mental and physical health problems, including symptoms of PTSD [3,4,5,6, 10, 13, 14]. These complex health issues constitute substantial health care challenges [10, 19, 20] and a significant public health problem in receiving countries [19, 21]
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