Study on female refugees – A representative research study on refugee women in Germany

Abstract

IntroductionGermany is one of the European countries that receive the highest number of refugees for the last years, with around 468 thousand asylum seekers in the first half of 2016. However, the increase in the speed of short-term procedures regarding refugees may at the same time overlook the risks regarding specific populations. Moreover, women and children constitute the most vulnerable groups during war and conflicts and the worst effects, in terms of physical, mental and social consequences, develop on these groups.ObjectivesTo understand deeply the psychosocial situation of female refugees that have arrived in Federal German Republic, to assess their challenges and resources before, during and after the displacement and to propose recommendations for policy changes.MethodsThe study consists of two modules, taking place in five states in Federal German Republic, including Berlin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Bayern, Hessen und Mainz. In the first step, a representative stratified sample of female refugees from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Somali and Eritrea are recruited. The quantitative study instrument include a socio-demographic question form and HSCL-Hopkins checklist, Harvard Trauma questionnaire, Beck depressions inventory, EUROHIS–QOL and SCL-14. In the second step, a qualitative in-depth analysis of focus group meetings is conducted.Results and conclusionsThere is an urgent need to take action for the mental health problems of refugees. This study constitutes one of the most extensive researches, especially on a subpopulation of refugees that requires specific attention. Challenges faced throughout the protocol and detailed results will be shared as presentation.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.