Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Volume 17, Issue 3, 2015, Pages 852-859

A Longitudinal Study of Changes in Asylum Seekers Ability Regarding Activities of Daily Living During Their Stay in the Asylum Center (Article)

Morville A.-L.* , Amris K. , Eklund M. , Danneskiold-Samsøe B. , Erlandsson L.-K.
  • a Department of Rheumatology, The Parker Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital, Frederiksberg, Nordre Fasanvej 57, Frederiksberg, 2000, Denmark, Department of Occupational Therapy, Institute of Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Metropolitan University College, Copenhagen, Denmark
  • b Department of Rheumatology, The Parker Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital, Frederiksberg, Nordre Fasanvej 57, Frederiksberg, 2000, Denmark
  • c Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
  • d Department of Rheumatology, The Parker Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital, Frederiksberg, Nordre Fasanvej 57, Frederiksberg, 2000, Denmark
  • e Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden

Abstract

The aim was to assess change in activities of daily living (ADL) ability amongst asylum seekers and if there were any difference between tortured and non-torture following a 10 months post-arrival period, and if self-reported health and exposure to torture were factors related to change in ADL-ability. The study was a combined baseline, follow-up correlational study amongst individuals from Afghanistan, Iran and Syria, living in Danish asylum centers. Forty-three persons aged 20–50, were invited and participated in the baseline study. Twenty-two were still in asylum center at the follow-up and 17 of them participated. ADL-ability was measured using Assessment of Motor and Process Skills and questionnaires about exposure to torture, self-reported mental health and pain. ADL motor and process measures, well-being and self-rated health declined from baseline to follow-up. Measures of pain and depression increased. Exposure to physical torture and change in ADL motor (r = 0.525) measures were associated, as well as change in current pain and change in ADL process (r = 0.525) measures. Due to preponderance of torture survivors analysis of group difference was not applicable. Health care workers should be aware of ADL concerns and exposure to torture in this population to best address their needs within rehabilitation settings. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New York.

Author Keywords

Motor ability Process ability ADL impairment pain Torture

Index Keywords

Denmark Torture Activities of Daily Living male pain health status depression Young Adult longitudinal study female Humans refugee Longitudinal Studies mental health human adult Refugees daily life activity
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84930082910&doi=10.1007%2fs10903-014-0004-0&partnerID=40&md5=327d888d5a91eb984f073226c84e6044
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-014-0004-0
ISSN: 15571912
Cited by: 11
Original Language: English