Journal of Immigrant and Refugee Studies
Volume 10, Issue 4, 2012, Pages 380-394

Screening for War Trauma, Torture, and Mental Health Symptoms Among Newly Arrived Refugees: A National Survey of U.S. Refugee Health Coordinators (Article)

Shannon P.* , Im H. , Becher E. , Simmelink J. , Wieling E. , O'Fallon A.
  • a School of Social Work, University of Minnesota, 105 Peters Hall, 1404 Gortner Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108, United States
  • b School of Social Work, University of Minnesota, 105 Peters Hall, 1404 Gortner Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108, United States
  • c Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
  • d School of Social Work, University of Minnesota, 105 Peters Hall, 1404 Gortner Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108, United States
  • e Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
  • f Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN, United States

Abstract

A total of 44 state refugee health coordinators returned a survey assessing mental health screening practices and barriers to screening. Results show that less than half the states ask refugees about a history of war trauma or torture. Of the 25 states that provide mental health screening, 17 (70.8%) utilize informal conversation rather than standardized measures. Screening practices are highly associated with the number of refugees and community discretionary grants and with the presence of a Services for Survivors of Torture Program. Refugee health coordinators identified the need for short, culturally appropriate mental health screening tools to identify refugees who need assessment and treatment services. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

culture immigrants Refugee mental health Questionnaire Mental health screening Refugees war trauma Torture

Index Keywords

immigrant questionnaire survey refugee cultural relations United States mental health health survey
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84870866631&doi=10.1080%2f15562948.2012.674324&partnerID=40&md5=a52f55e40a7b566f2534de76fa676f85
DOI: 10.1080/15562948.2012.674324
ISSN: 15562948
Cited by: 17
Original Language: English