Traumatic pre-migration experiences: A population-based study of Russian, Somali and Kurdish origin migrants in Finland

Abstract

Introduction Ongoing mass conflicts and the resulting flow of displaced persons have increased interest on pre-migration experiences of migrants, but population-based studies of entire migrant groups are still scarce. Objective We aim to assess the prevalence of a variety of possibly traumatic pre-migration experiences among Russian, Somali and Kurdish origin migrants in Finland and to determine which socio-demographic factors are associated with traumatic pre-migration experiences. Methods We used data from the Finnish Migrant Health and Wellbeing Study (Maamu). The survey sample comprised of Russian, Somali and Kurdish origin migrants, aged 18–64 years ( n =1000 per group). The data specified eight different traumatic events common to those exposed to war and conflict. The age-adjusted prevalence of traumatic pre-migration experiences were calculated in the ethnic groups by gender using predicted margins. Results Seventy-seven percent of Kurdish, 58% of Somali, and 21% of Russian origin migrants had experienced at least one traumatic event in the former host country. One third of the Kurdish men had been subject to torture. Surprisingly, migrating as a refugee or asylum seeker was not found to be associated with traumatic pre-migration experiences. Conclusion Results indicated an alarmingly high overall trauma exposure among Kurdish and Somali migrants in Finland. This should be taken into account in the planning of mental health services in the new host country.