This paper presents the findings of a longitudinal study of life events in refugees belonging to different language groups from Iraq. Eighty-six individuals were included in the study. Data regarding life events and self-reported health measurements were collected after baseline assessment with 3-monthly intervals on three occasions. Posttraumatic stress disorder was diagnosed by means of a structured interview at baseline. The results indicate that the subjects were influenced to a great extent by political events and the situation of significant others in the home country. Further, the number of negative life events in the host country showed a significant association with self-rated deteriorated health. In subjects with posttraumatic stress disorder, the effects of certain life events were more pronounced.

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refugee Follow-Up Studies human Life Change Events Refugees middle aged life event Ethnic Groups Self Report controlled study measurement Iraq health status language Sweden Humans Adolescent male female self concept Article major clinical study adult posttraumatic stress disorder Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic politics disease association attitude to health