Journal of Traumatic Stress
Volume 13, Issue 4, 2000, Pages 619-634

Health problems among Latin-American and Middle-Eastern refugees in the Netherlands: Relations with violence exposure and ongoing sociopsychological strain (Article)

Hondius A.J.K. , Van Willigen L.H.M.* , Kleijn W.C. , Van Der Ploeg H.M.
  • a Psychiatric Center de Wellen, Apeldoorn, Netherlands
  • b Pharint Foundation, Amsterdam, Pharint Foundation for Refugee Health Care Consultancy, Research and International Relations, Prinseneiland 11-II, 1013 LL Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • c Leiden University, Medical Center, Leiden, Centrum'45, Oegstgeest, Netherlands
  • d Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

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.

Author Keywords

Violence exposure Refugees Health problems PTSD Postmigration stressors Survey study Interview study

Index Keywords

education Netherlands social psychology refugee Latin America demography race difference human Refugees Middle East violence controlled study health status Hispanic Americans Cross-Sectional Studies interview Humans male female Psychophysiologic Disorders adaptive behavior Article major clinical study adult migration Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic Torture
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0033732187&doi=10.1023%2fA%3a1007858116390&partnerID=40&md5=7caee379b2168d656c75461b43fd551e
DOI: 10.1023/A:1007858116390
ISSN: 08949867
Cited by: 56
Original Language: English