Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Volume 125, 2019

Identifying subgroups of refugees from Syria resettled in Sweden based on multiple trauma exposures: A latent class analysis of trauma history and mental health outcomes (Article) (Open Access)

Sengoelge M.* , Johnson-Singh C.M. , Mittendorfer-Rutz E. , Vaez M. , Saboonchi F.
  • a Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, Department of Health Sciences, Swedish Red Cross University College, Stockholm, Sweden
  • b Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, Department of Health Sciences, Swedish Red Cross University College, Stockholm, Sweden
  • c Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
  • d Department of Health Sciences, Swedish Red Cross University College, Stockholm, Sweden, Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
  • e Department of Health Sciences, Swedish Red Cross University College, Stockholm, Sweden, Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Abstract

Objective: Many refugees have been subjected to pre-migratory trauma. Evidence is needed to address the heterogeneity within refugee populations in regard to patterns of multiple trauma exposures. This study identified subgroups within a refugee population displaying different profiles of multiple trauma exposures and assessed sociodemographic predictors and differences in mental health symptom severity across these classes. Methods: Study population consisted of 1215 refugees from Syria resettled in Sweden. Latent class analysis 3-step method for modelling predictors and outcomes and a class-specific weighted multigroup approach were used to identify classes of refugees using self-reported data on violent and non-violent trauma exposures, sociodemographic variables and symptom severity scores for depression, anxiety and PTSD. Results: Three classes were identified: class 1 ‘multiple violent and non-violent trauma’ (39.3%, n = 546); class 2 ‘witnessing violence and multiple non-violent trauma’ (40.8%, n = 569); and class 3 ‘low multiple non-violent trauma’ (20.1%, n = 281). Trauma exposure and gender significantly predicted class membership. Male gender and highest severity of mental ill health defined class 1. Female gender predicted higher mental ill health within classes 1 and 2. Across all three classes living with a partner was associated with lower severity of mental ill health regardless of trauma exposure classes. Conclusions: There are distinct patterns within refugee populations concerning exposure to multiple trauma. Violence is a primary marker for higher likelihood of multiple trauma exposures and severity of mental health. Gender predisposes individuals to trauma exposure and its outcomes differentially. © 2019 The Authors

Author Keywords

Latent class analysis Depression Multiple trauma Refugees Anxiety Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Index Keywords

anxiety educational status depression latent class analysis refugee Syrian Arab Republic mental health human sex difference physical violence assault multiple trauma Sweden male female refugee camp Article major clinical study adult posttraumatic stress disorder disease severity Torture
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85071259269&doi=10.1016%2fj.jpsychores.2019.109814&partnerID=40&md5=ac487860aab8731f960bb99bbae8115c
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2019.109814
ISSN: 00223999
Original Language: English