Prevalence of Mental Health Screening and Associated Factors Among Refugees and Other Resettled Populations ≥ 14 Years of Age in Georgia, 2014–2017

Abstract

Mental health screening (MHS) during the initial health assessment is recommended within 90days of arrival to the U.S. Yet, MHS prevalence is not well understood. Screening prevalence [prevalence ratio (PR), adjusted prevalence ratio (adjPR)] and factors associated with MHS were assessed among refugees, Special Immigrant Visa holders, parolees, asylees, and victims of human trafficking ≥ 14years old resettling in Georgia from 2014 to 2017. Of the 2019 individuals included, 55% received a MHS. Screening was more common among older individuals [reference: 13-22years old; adjPR 23-35 = 1.20 (1.12-1.29), adjPR 36-49 = 1.14 (1.03-1.26), adjPR ≥ 50 = 1.27 (1.15-1.41)] and those without Medicaid [adjPR Medicaid vs. none = 0.75 (0.63-0.89)]. MHS also differed by country of birth. Although MHS has increased within recent years, gaps exist within sub-populations and geographic regions. Efforts should focus on increasing MHS to ensure timely identification of concerns and linkage to services.