American Journal of Public Health
Volume 105, 2015, Pages S475-S482

Addressing health disparities in the mental health of refugee children and adolescents through community-based participatory research: A study in 2 communities (Article)

Betancourt T.S.* , Frounfelker R. , Mishra T. , Hussein A. , Falzarano R.
  • a Department of Global Health and Population, Research Program on Children and Global Adversity, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
  • b Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Research Program on Children and Global Adversity, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, United States
  • c Department of Global Health and Population, Research Program on Children and Global Adversity, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
  • d Shanbaro Association, Chelsea Collaborative, Chelsea, MA, United States
  • e Shanbaro Association, Chelsea Collaborative, Chelsea, MA, United States

Abstract

Objectives. We sought to understand the problems, strengths, and helpseeking behaviors of Somali Bantu and Bhutanese refugees and determine local expressions of mental health problems among youths in both communities. Methods. We used qualitative research methods to develop community needs assessments and identify local terms for child mental health problems among Somali Bantu and Bhutanese refugees in Greater Boston and Springfield, Massachusetts, between 2011 and 2014. A total of 56 Somali Bantu and 93 Bhutanese refugees participated in free list and key informant interviews. Results. Financial and language barriers impeded the abilities of families to assist youths who were struggling academically and socially. Participants identified resources both within and outside the refugee community to help with these problems. Both communities identified areas of distress corresponding to Western concepts of conduct disorders, depression, and anxiety. Conclusions. There are numerous challenges faced by Somali Bantu and Bhutanese youths, as well as strengths and resources that promote resilience. Future steps include using culturally informed methods for identifying those in need of services and developing community-based prevention programs.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

refugee multicenter study clinical trial Massachusetts health disparity Health Status Disparities human Refugees health service ethnology Bhutan Health Services Needs and Demand Mental Disorders United States Humans psychology Adolescent male female Somalia participatory research Community-Based Participatory Research Healthcare Disparities health care disparity Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84937509189&doi=10.2105%2fAJPH.2014.302504&partnerID=40&md5=2a4ecfecbb9d632911d68276fe5491ec
DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302504
ISSN: 00900036
Cited by: 36
Original Language: English