Migrant Health Research Articles

The emotional well-being and mental health of Hispanic immigrants in the United States: understanding the impact of traumatic experiences and coping styles

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study examined factors that impact the emotional well-being of Hispanic immigrants. This study considered the experience of stigma, acculturative stress, and traumatic events on the emotional well-being of Hispanic immigrants, while exploring various coping strategies that are employed. Data from 198 Hispanic immigrants in the United States was collected from an online survey, and a multiple linear regression was used with several predictor groups. Results indicated statistical significance between traumatic experiences, acculturative stress, positive/negative religious coping, and avoidant coping styles on the emotional well-being of Hispanic immigrants. These findings hold significance for social workers and offers considerations for assessment, treatment, and advocacy.

A principles-based community health center for addressing refugee health: the New Canadians Health Centre

The provision of timely and comprehensive healthcare is a fundamental aspect of resettlement for refugees, who often experience critical unmet health needs. In Canada, this includes connecting refugees with primary care providers to treat acute health conditions, as well as to provide longitudinal and preventative care. However, refugee access to healthcare is often complicated by numerous barriers, such as difficulty navigating health services, financial constraints, language barriers, discrimination, and limited access to physicians. Due to these unmet health needs and barriers to access, there has been a need for dedicated primary healthcare models for refugees that provide integrated and culturally safe care. In response, a refugee community health center, the New Canadians Health Centre (NCHC), was established in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 2021. The NCHC operates through an innovative, principles-based model that delivers interdisciplinary primary healthcare services to refugees that are culturally safe, include clients as partners in their care, and are grounded in principles of social justice, equity, and inclusion. Early and effective healthcare services are needed to address the health of refugees; however, there is a lack of research on the development and implementation of dedicated refugee health service models. This paper addresses this gap by providing an in-depth account of the opening of the NCHC as a principles-based community health center for refugees, including the process by which it was established in response to local needs and the development of its principles-based model for supporting refugee health. This community case description will support the development and implementation of other dedicated models for refugee health, and comes at a critical time in which there are rapidly growing refugee populations in Canada and internationally.

Older Migrant Patients and Health Care Professionals' Experiences With Digital Translation Tools in Care Interactions: A Qualitative Literature Review.

Finding solutions to communicate difficulties in care interactions between health care professionals and older migrant patients may be facilitated by the use of digital translation tools. The aim was to explore older migrant patients' and health professionals' experiences using digital translation tools in transcultural care. A systematic qualitative literature review, based on nine quality assessed articles published 2009 to 2024 from five databases, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes and eight subthemes emerged: advantages of using translation tools describes the benefits experienced using such tools; limitations and challenges highlights the problems identified in their use; and improvement suggestions for the functions of the translation apps describes adjustments and developments of the translation tools. Digital translation used in basic care, may enhance relationships and equity of care, but should not substitute human interpreters in complex care conversations. Translation tools need to be developed according to older users' abilities.

Bridging the Gap: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventions to Address Barriers in Migrant Mental Health Care Access

Despite their higher risk of mental health conditions, migrants often face barriers to accessing mental health care. This systematic review aims to synthesize the evidence on interventions to improve mental health care access for migrants (protocol CRD42024556575). PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched for experimental and observational studies on this topic. A narrative summary and a meta-analysis of the study findings are presented, along with a GRADE quality assessment. Eighteen reports, accounting for 3285 migrants, were included in the final selection. There were six randomized controlled trials, nine non-randomized clinical trials, and three observational studies. The interventions consisted of psychoeducation (27.8%), digital tools (22.2%), outreach programs, counseling, peer support (each 11.1%), and miscellaneous approaches (16.7%). There was marked heterogeneity in the intervention structure and outcome measure across the studies. Nevertheless, all studies reported a positive effect of the interventions on mental health care access. Still limited by few studies providing data suitable for the pooled estimate, the meta-analyses found a significant effect in reducing stigma and improving mental health literacy. Overall, this review identified promising interventions for improving migrant mental health care access. Future research is needed to validate interventions that can be applied sustainably across different contexts and migrant populations.

Immigration Policy as a Social Determinant of Health among Brazilian Immigrants in the United States: A Narrative Review.

The pervasive effects of increasingly restrictive migration policies on the health of immigrant populations in the U.S. have been well-documented, but not so much concerning the unique experiences of Brazilian immigrants, a subgroup of the Latino/a/x population. Considering that, this narrative review article employs a research design that is both conceptual and exploratory-to understand the possible connections and associations between restrictive immigration policies and negative health outcomes among Brazilian immigrants in the U.S. Findings indicate that Brazilian immigrants in the U.S. face an array of health and non-health related challenges, including racism and poor working conditions, with undocumented individuals experiencing worse outcomes. Studies highlight the complex relationship between immigration policies and health and emphasize the detrimental effects of deportation fear, healthcare access obstacles, and mental health repercussions due to hostile immigration policymaking and generalized anti-immigrant sentiment. More research is needed to understand the unique challenges faced by the Brazilian immigrant population concerning several mental and physical health outcomes.

The Influence of Faith on the Mental Health of Ukrainian Forced Migrants During the Russian-Ukrainian War: An Exploratory Study via Social Media.

War is a significant, high-intensity stressor that forces millions of people to seek refuge in safer areas, resulting in profound physical and mental health challenges. Following the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, millions of Ukrainians became refugees in Europe. This exploratory study examines the influence of faith on the mental health of Ukrainian forced migrants during the war. The results indicate that two years after the start of the full-scale war, Ukrainian forced migrants suffer from PTSD symptoms, high levels of depression, moderate anxiety, frustration, rigidity, aggressiveness, and loneliness. This exploratory study provides insights into the role of faith in the mental health of forced migrants and underscores the importance of support services for this vulnerable population.

Migration, Urbanism and Health: Moving Toward Systems-Informed Policy and Practice

Migration and displacement are pivotal determinants of urban health, influencing both direct and indirect health outcomes. Migrants may face unique health risks, often exacerbated by economic, social, and environmental factors encountered during transit or upon resettlement. As migration patterns shift due to geopolitical, climatic, and economic pressures, they reshape the global and urban policy landscapes in unpredictable ways, presenting challenges that will continue to evolve in the coming decades. Current legal frameworks, in many cases, do not adequately account for migrant populations, hindering policy responses and complicating the protection of migrant health. Therefore, effective urban health interventions must be inclusive of migrant populations and expand beyond healthcare services. A systems-thinking approach that recognizes the broader determinants of health—including housing, employment, social services, and urban infrastructure—is essential to address the intersecting challenges migrants face. Despite these challenges, migration remains crucial to the functioning of urban environments. Migrant workers consistently contribute to the healthy operation of cities, underpinning key infrastructure and services. However, to optimize policy responses and improve urban health outcomes, more robust data and evidence on the health risks and outcomes of migrants, as well as the structural drivers of migration, are needed. Moreover, macro factors such as climate change, future pandemics, and geopolitical shifts are likely to influence both migration dynamics and migrant health. To anticipate and respond to these evolving challenges, a systems-informed and holistic vision of urban health is required—one that integrates migration into the broader urban policy and planning frameworks to foster healthier, more resilient cities.

Exploring the Health Care Seeking Behavior of Rohingya Community during COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: COVID-19 was declared a 'pandemic,' and it was the most horrific diseases the world. Objective: The study aimed to explore the healthcare-seeking behavior of Rohingya people during the COVID-19. Materials and methods: It was conducted as a cross-sectional study involving a sample size of 200 participants. Respondents were chosen through convenience sampling methods. The study population was the Rohingya population residing in Cox’s Bazar. A well-designed and pretested set of structured questionnaires was used to collect the information. The total study duration was for 3 months. Informed consent was taken from the participants, and Ethical clearance was taken from the IRB of AIUB. Data were analyzed using IBM STATA 16. Place and period of study: The study was conducted at Cox’s Bazar Rohingya Camp in Bangladesh. Results Majority (40%) of the respondents was aged between 30 to 49 years and 51% of them were female. A significant majority, 88%, expressed a preference for treatment at a Refugee health camp, while 9% opted for a Pharmacy and 3% chose a Traditional healer. Overall, 88% of respondents demonstrated positive behavior, in contrast to 12% who exhibited negative behavior. The results of a multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that factors such as low educational attainment, fear of visiting health facilities, and a lack of awareness regarding COVID-19 prevention were significantly associated with negative health-seeking behavior. Conclusion: The healthcare-seeking behavior exhibited by the Rohingya community in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic has been observed to be commendable.

Improving refugee mental health through resilience and research

Improving refugee mental health through resilience and research

President Biden's Proclamation on Securing the Border and DHS-DOJ Interim Final Rule- A Potential Threat to the Health of Migrants.

Immigration policy, particularly regarding migrants crossing the US-Mexico border, has been a highly debated topic for years. There is a continued debate on how to maintain national security while protecting the health and dignity of migrants. In this commentary, we argue that the Biden Administration's "Proclamation on Securing the Border" issued on June 4, 2024, alongside the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice's (DOJ) Interim Final Rule, poses a significant threat to the health of migrants seeking asylum at the US-Mexico border by forcing more migrants to wait in encampments in border towns. Specifically, migrants are more likely to face increased exposure to disease, mental health effects, and violence as a result of this proclamation. We call for structural policy reform and propose several alternative policies that can be enacted at the regional and national levels to help maintain the health and dignity of migrants while still prioritizing border security.

Assessment of childhood vaccination hesitancy among syrian parents under temporary protection

Background and AimVaccination programs become increasingly crucial during migratory movements driven by conflict and other disruptions. This study aims to determine the prevalence of childhood vaccination hesitancy among Syrian parents under temporary protection and identify areas for targeted interventions.MethodA total of 227 Syrian parents attending three Immigrant Health Centers in Sultangazi were assessed using the Arabic version of the Parent Attitude about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey, conducted between October and December 2023.ResultsThe prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among these parents was found to be 10.6%. An inverse correlation was observed between maternal education level and vaccine hesitancy, indicating that higher education levels were associated with lower levels of hesitancy.ConclusionThe observed rate of vaccine hesitancy among Syrian parents under temporary protection underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions. Tailored vaccination strategies for immigrant populations are essential to improve immunization rates and ensure the health and well-being of these communities.

The Association of Migration-Related Stress with Poor Mental Health Among Recently Resettled Afghan Refugees

BackgroundThe resettlement of Afghan refugees in Oklahoma City, OK, provides a critical context for examining the mental health challenges faced by this population due to post-migration stressors. MethodsThis study utilized online surveys to recently resettled Afghan refugees in Oklahoma City, with support provided by bilingual research assistants to accommodate low literacy rates. Surveys, initially in English, were professionally translated into Dari and Pashto and validated through back-translation. ResultsParticipants (N= 348) were majority of Pashtun ethnicity. High rates of mental health issues were evident, with 62.1% of participants screening positive for depression and 20.1% for probable GAD. Logistic regression analysis revealed that lower pre-migration socioeconomic status (SES) and high post-migration stressors such as discrimination and loss of homeland were significantly associated with increased mental health problems. Stress related to the worry for and loss of their homeland was a substantial predictor of high distress (AOR= 2.71, p <.001), anxiety (AOR= 1.99, p =.001) and depression (AOR= 2.65, p<.001). Experiences of discrimination post-resettlement was also associated with anxiety (AOR 4.92, p <.001). DiscussionThe findings highlight the profound impact of post-migration stressors on the mental health of Afghan refugees. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to address the specific challenges faced by refugees, such as language barriers, employment, legal support, and anti-discrimination measures, to facilitate better integration and improve mental health outcomes. ConclusionEnhanced community integration programs and comprehensive support services are essential to mitigate the mental health challenges faced by Afghan refugees, suggesting a broader application for such approaches in similar resettlement contexts globally.

Ensuring the right to health for migrants and refugees.

Ensuring the right to health for migrants and refugees.

Barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Migrant and Refugee Youth: An Exploratory Socioecological Qualitative Analysis

(1) Background: Migrant and refugee youth’s (MRY’s) sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHRs) are a global health issue. MRY encounter adverse SRH experiences due to limited access to and knowledge of SRHRs services. Using a socioecological framework, this study examined the barriers affecting MRY’s SRHRs. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study utilising a participatory action research design was used. A total of 87 MRY (ages 16–26, from 20 cultural groups within Greater Western Sydney, Australia) completed seventeen focus group discussions on their SRHRs experiences. The focus groups were co-facilitated by youth project liaisons to ensure their authenticity and validity. The data were analysed thematically and interpreted using socioecological theory. (3) Results: The findings identified socioecological barriers, a lack of awareness about and access to services, and sociocultural dissonance as leading to the under-implementation of SRHRs services. These barriers included cultural disconnects, language barriers, remote service locations, intergenerational cultural conflicts, and ineffective SRHRs services. The key themes identified included traditional and institutional stigma, lack of SRH education, reliance on social media for SRH information, and privacy concerns. (4) Conclusions: There is a limited consideration of MRY’s SRHRs and the impact of intergenerational discordance and stigma on MRY’s rights. The findings suggest the necessity for a collaborative SRHRs strategy and policy design that empowers MRY’s agency across multicultural contexts.

Factors associated with mental health outcomes among peer refugee helpers in Greece: Results from a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAn increasing number of people are engaged in humanitarian responses worldwide as aid workers. Peer Refugee Helpers (PRHs) are refugees or asylum seekers engaged formally in humanitarian assistance through Aid/Humanitarian Organizations, yet the factors affecting their mental health are poorly understood. ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the mental health of PRHs and explore factors that may contribute to anxiety and depression in this group through the lens of the Salutogenic Model of Health (SMH). MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted comparing PRHs engaged with Aid/Humanitarian Organizations (AOs) in Greece with non-helpers (N = 248), all of whom had experienced forced migration. Standardized instruments were used to measure symptoms of depression and anxiety (GAD-7, PHQ-9), social support (SPS-24), sense of coherence (SOC-13), coping flexibility (PACT), and trauma exposure (BTQ-10). Using regression analyses, we compared symptoms of anxiety and depression in a group of PRHs (n = 107) to a control group of non-helpers (n = 141). Socio-demographic variables (ex. occupational status) were also included in the model. Furthermore, we investigated protective and risk factors for anxiety and depression within the group of PRHs. ResultsPRHs did not differ significantly from the non-helpers in their anxiety and depression levels. In the adjusted regression analyses within the group of PRHs, being paid and having a higher sense of coherence were significantly associated with lower anxiety and depression. ConclusionsTo enhance the well-being and mental health of refugees working as PRHs in the humanitarian field, AOs should first address post-migration living difficulties that contribute to anxiety and depression. Second, PRHs should be supported adequately through training and supervision that will help them build fundamental competencies. Third, compensation for the PRH engagement is instrumental in addressing job insecurity, while facilitating access to resources, relevant to basic and psychological needs.

Resettlement needs of refugee women in the United States: An American Academy of Nursing consensus paper

When people must flee their homes due to persecution or conflict, they embark on a journey from loss toward safety that is a global concern and the resettlement country’s responsibility. Refugees experience stressors as they secure basic needs such as adequate nutrition, healthcare, transportation, housing, education, and income-generating activities. For refugee women, these stressors are further exacerbated by gender related roles and experiences. Addressing the unique healthcare needs of refugee women is vital to their wellbeing as they resettle into life in the United States. Access to care that is provided with cultural humility and fosters trust is critical. Policies are needed that expand health literacy programs and interpreting services, grow, diversify, and train the physical healthcare workforce, grow and diversify the mental healthcare workforce, expand Medicaid coverage in all 50 states, develop and fund peer to peer education programs for refugee women, finance access to care and programmatic services and expand federal funding toward refugee health research.

Rohingya refugee health and well-being in Malaysia: a call for research and action

Rohingya refugee health and well-being in Malaysia: a call for research and action

Determinants of health among Ukrainian refugees in Germany: comparison with other refugee groups

Abstract Background 6.5 million Ukrainian refugees have been displaced globally since 2022, with 1 million seeking asylum in Germany. Little is known about the health determinants for this group, limiting the evidence base for policy intervention. Methods We use a nationally representative survey of adult Ukrainian refugees in Germany (IAB-BiB/FReDA-BAMF-SOEP study; n = 5943), conducted in 2023, to analyse the effect of sociodemographic, pre-migration (experienced war intensity, traumatic experiences) and post-migration factors (time since arrival, accommodation, social networks) on self-rated health using multiple logistic regression. We contrast these findings with estimates of identical models obtained from a subset of the IAB-BAMF-SOEP-sample of non-Ukrainian refugees within one year of arrival (n = 1195). Results In the Ukrainian sample, post-migration factors are particularly critical for health, with those experiencing discrimination (OR 1.83; 95%CI: 1.51,2.21) and social isolation (OR: 2.70; 95%CI: 2.23, 3.28) affected by ill health, while those with high German proficiency (OR 0.34; 95%CI: 0.18, 0.64) and contact with Germans (OR: 0.66; 95%CI: 0.53,0.83) are protected. Pre-migration factors do not affect self-rated health. Among refugees from other countries of origin, post-migration factors are not associated with health within the first year of arrival, with exception of social isolation (OR: 2.03; 95%CI: 1.32,3.13). Discussion Despite the EU Temporary Protection Directive, the health of Ukrainian refugees in Germany is shaped by adverse post-migration circumstances. While other refugee groups may have had riskier escape journeys and worse arrival conditions, this is unrelated to self-rated health in the first year. This underscores the importance of considering pre-migration contexts when evaluating subjective health. Outreach services, communication campaigns and the expansion of medical interpreting services are needed to ensure access to the health system. Key messages • Despite the EU Temporary Protection Directive, the health of Ukrainian refugees in Germany is shaped by adverse post-migration circumstances. • Outreach services, communication campaigns and the expansion of medical interpreting services are needed to ensure access to the health system.

Migration and mental health: the case of postpartum depressive symptoms in Portugal

Abstract Background Postpartum depression (PPD) affects about 17% of healthy mothers within one year of childbirth. The etiology remains unknown, but PPD is influenced by a combination of genetic, physical, psychosocial, and obstetric factors, migration could influence the risk. Methods We analyzed data collected within the scope of baMBINO (Perinatal Health in Migrants: Barriers, Incentives, and Outcomes), a Portuguese prospective cohort study, aimed to investigate the maternity experiences and outcomes of migrant women, defined as foreign-born women, and compared to native women. Among the 5431 women enrolled at delivery, 3006 (55%) were considered eligible for this study and interviewed in their preferred language, within six months of recruitment. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was administered during this interview, along with the Migrant-Friendly Maternity Care Questionnaire (MFMCQ). Results 2890 (96%) women were included in the analytical sample for this study. Among women included, 1475 (51%) were migrants or refugees. The proportions of women having EPDS scores ≥ 10 were overall greater among migrants than among native women (7.2% vs. 12.4%, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and the risk remained higher after multiple adjustment models. Conclusions Migration status, poor experience with maternal care and language proficiency increased the risk of PPDS and should be carefully addressed as part of perinatal care.

5.Y.1. Refugees and mental health

Abstract Research suggests an elevated risk of mental health conditions (depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety) among refugees, due to exposure to trauma, displacement, and the challenges of adapting to new environments. Children and adolescents with refugee background face additional challenges, including family disruptions, education interruptions, and uncertain futures. However, the data are heterogeneous and more detailed data are needed. To address this gap, we present data on refugee’s mental health and resilience. First, data on resilience and mental health from Germany are presented. These data are adjusted for demographics and suggest that in case data are adjusted to the living situation in the host country the migrant status is less relevant. The second study presents the mental health of refugee adolescents and children in Greece. The third study presents results based on a Portuguese prospective cohort study Perinatal Health in Migrants: Barriers, Incentives, and Outcomes (baMBINO). This study investigates postpartum depression among refugee women in Portugal highlighting the need for access to care. Last, a systematic review and meta-analysis provides data on depression, anxiety and stress of 62,522 refugees from more than 30 countries. This data suggests that life experiences are critical for refugees’ mental health. Based on the presentations the audience will be engaged in discussion on how to better early prevent mental health conditions in refugees. Key messages • Mental health of refugees is a Public Health challenge. • Pre- and post migration experiences impact refugees and migrants mental health conditions.