American Journal of Public Health
Volume 94, Issue 4, 2004, Pages 591-598
Somali and Oromo Refugees: Correlates of Torture and Trauma History (Article)
Jaranson J.M. ,
Butcher J. ,
Halcon L. ,
Johnson D.R. ,
Robertson C. ,
Savik K. ,
Spring M.* ,
Westermeyer J.
-
a
HealthPartners Div. of Behav. Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
-
b
Psychology Department, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
-
c
School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
-
d
Vet. Administration Medical Center, Psychiatry Department, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States, Center for Victims of Torture, Minneapolis, MN, United States
-
e
School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
-
f
School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
-
g
Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 S Second St, Minneapolis, MN 55454, United States
-
h
Vet. Administration Medical Center, Psychiatry Department, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Abstract
Objectives. This cross-sectional, community-based, epidemiological study characterized Somali and Ethiopian (Oromo) refugees in Minnesota to determine torture prevalence and associated problems. Methods. A comprehensive questionnaire was developed, then administered by trained ethnic interviewers to a nonprobability sample of 1134. Measures assessed torture techniques; traumatic events; and social, physical, and psychological problems, including posttraumatic stress symptoms. Results. Torture prevalence ranged from 25% to 69% by ethnicity and gender, higher than usually reported. Unexpectedly, women were tortured as often as men. Torture survivors had more health problems, including posttraumatic stress. Conclusions. This study highlights the need to recognize torture in African refugees, especially women, identify indicators of posttraumatic stress in torture survivors, and provide additional resources to care for tortured refugees.
Author Keywords
[No Keywords available]
Index Keywords
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-1842425300&doi=10.2105%2fAJPH.94.4.591&partnerID=40&md5=b1ceb571ba3334696e3eefcb245b0516
DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.94.4.591
ISSN: 00900036
Cited by: 157
Original Language: English