Health problems among Latin-American and middle-eastern refugees in The Netherlands: relations with violence exposure and ongoing sociopsychological strain.
In two studies (n = 480; n = 156), the health problems (somatic, psychological, and migration-related complaints) of refugees were examined, in relation to violence, demographic, and asylum variables (ongoing sociopsychological strain). High frequencies for torture events and a substantial number of medical complaints were reported, but few cases of diagnosable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were identified (Study I: 6%; Study II: 11%). Not only reported violence, but also the current social situation contributed to the experiencing of ongoing health complaints. Refugees attributed their somatic and psychological complaints to illness (48%) and to torture (29%) and psychological complaints, in particular, to worries related to the postmigration situation (40%). Paying attention only to health complaints and to past violent experiences is too limited an approach in responding to the needs of refugees.
Hondius
A J
AJ
Psychiatric Center De Wellen, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands.
van Willigen
L H
LH
Kleijn
W C
WC
van der Ploeg
H M
HM
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007843:Latin America / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D008877:Middle East / Q000208:ethnology; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D012036:Refugees / Q000523:psychology*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology*