Journal of Adolescent Health
Volume 35, Issue 1, 2004, Pages 17-25

Trauma and coping in Somali and Oromo refugee youth (Article)

Halcón L.L.* , Robertson C.L. , Savik K. , Johnson D.R. , Spring M.A. , Butcher J.N. , Westermeyer J.J. , Jaranson J.M.
  • a School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States, Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, 6-101 Weaver-Densford Hall, 308 Harvard St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
  • b School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
  • c School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
  • d Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States, Vet. Administration Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, Minneapolis, MN, United States, Center for Victims of Torture, Minneapolis, MN, United States
  • e Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
  • f Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
  • g Department of Anthropology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States, Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States, Vet. Administration Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, Minneapolis, MN, United States
  • h Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States, Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States, Health Partners/Regions Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, United States

Abstract

Purpose To describe war-related trauma history, immigration factors, problems, and coping of Somali and Oromo refugee youth. Methods Analysis of a subset of participants (N = 338) aged 18-25 years from a population-based survey of Somali and Oromo refugees conducted in 2000-2002. Data included trauma history, life situation, and scales for physical (Cronbach α = .69), psychological (α = .56), and social problems (α = .69). Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results Average emigration age was 14.8 years, with 4.2 years in transit and 2.0 years in the United States; 60% reported plans to return home to live. Two-thirds (66%) had less than a high school education, 49% had English language problems, 49% were employed (38% female vs. 57% male); 70% were single, with Somali females more likely than Oromo to be partnered and mothers (39% vs. 19%). There were significant ethnicity/gender differences for all problem scales. More females reported feeling alone (24% vs. 61%, p < .001). Youth with symptoms of posttraumatic stress syndrome reported more traumatic events (mean number of events: 28 vs.16). Trauma history was strongly associated with physical, psychological, and social problems. Most frequent strategies to combat sadness were praying (55.3%), sleeping (39.9%), reading (32.3%), and talking to friends (27.8%). Conclusions Many young Somali and Oromo immigrants to the United States experience life problems associated with war trauma and torture, but many others are coping well. The findings suggest a need to develop age-appropriate strategies to promote the health of refugee youth to facilitate their successful adaptation to adult life in the United States. © Society for Adolescent Medicine, 2004.

Author Keywords

youth immigrants Gender differences Mental health Refugees Adolescents

Index Keywords

data analysis social problem coping behavior priority journal rank sum test Review refugee population research ethnology chi square test United States life human Child Abuse sex ratio migration posttraumatic stress disorder
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-2942609094&doi=10.1016%2fj.jadohealth.2003.08.005&partnerID=40&md5=bb9265f2818a03678f2fe1fd35debe58
DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2003.08.005
ISSN: 1054139X
Cited by: 82
Original Language: English