Objectives: By the end of Word War II, a substantial proportion of the German population was subjected to flight and expulsion. Severe strain and traumatization were described in individual reports. Preliminary studies based on selected samples indicated profound long-term consequences but no representative studies have been carried out to date. The purposes of the present study were to compare quality of life and well-being of former refugees and non-refugees and to identify risk factors for compromised well-being. Methods: A representative sample of the German population (N = 2.043) was interviewed about experiences of flight and expulsion and their present quality of life. Results: The refugees (18 % of the respective age group; N = 133) reported a reduced physical quality of life at the time of the study (SF-36). Furthermore, they suffered more often from panic attacks and were compromised in their health and well-being. In the regression analysis, the status as a former refugee was predictive for a reduced quality of life and anxiety, in addition to female gender, higher age and lower income. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the long-term consequences of flight and expulsion. Further studies are needed on individual coping with the aging process and biographical exposure to traumatic experiences. © Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht 2007.

Refugees Quality of life Well-being

anxiety personal experience Germany Panic Disorder refugee regression analysis lowest income group National Socialism human sex difference Refugees middle aged Activities of Daily Living Aged Depressive Disorder Anxiety Disorders panic Cross-Sectional Studies interview quality of life psychological well being Humans male female risk factor physical capacity Health Status Indicators Article major clinical study World War II distress syndrome community assessment health hazard