International Journal of Mental Health Systems
Volume 11, Issue 1, 2017

The mental health and help-seeking behaviour of resettled Afghan refugees in Australia (Article) (Open Access)

Slewa-Younan S.* , Yaser A. , Guajardo M.G.U. , Mannan H. , Smith C.A. , Mond J.M.
  • a Western Sydney University, Mental Health, School of Medicine, Translational Health Research Institute, Penrith South DC, Locked Bag 1797, Sydney, NSW, Australia, University of Melbourne, Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne, School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Australia
  • b Western Sydney University, Mental Health, School of Medicine, Sydney, Australia
  • c Western Sydney University, Mental Health, School of Medicine, Translational Health Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
  • d Western Sydney University, Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Sydney, Australia
  • e Western Sydney University, National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Sydney, Australia
  • f University of Tasmania, Centre for Rural Health, Hobart, Australia, Western Sydney University, School of Medicine, Translational Health Research Institute, Sydney, Australia

Abstract

Background: Psychological trauma, in particular, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, are highly prevalent among resettled refugees. However, little is known regarding the mental health status and associated help-seeking behaviour of resettled Afghan refugees in Australia. Methods: A sample of 150 resettled Afghan refugees (74 males; mean age 32.8years, SD=12.2) living in Adelaide, South Australia were recruited. Self-reported measures of PTSD, depression, exposure to traumatic events, functional impairment, self-recognition of PTSD symptomatology and help-seeking behaviours were completed. Multivariate analysis of variables associated with help-seeking was conducted. Results: Forty-four percent of participants met criteria for clinically significant PTSD symptoms and all but one participant reported being exposed to 1 or more traumatic and/or conflict related events, such as 'losing your property and wealth'. Moreover, 14.7% of participants had symptoms suggestive of clinically significant depression. General practitioners were the most common source of help in relation to mental health problems, with very few participants (4.6%) seeking help from specialist trauma and torture mental health services. Self-recognition of having a PTSD related mental health problem and functional impairment levels were both found to be independent predictors of help-seeking (p≤.05). Conclusions: The findings provide further evidence for high rates of PTSD symptomatology and low uptake of mental care among resettled refugees. Poor self-recognition of the presence and/or adverse impact of PTSD symptoms may need to be targeted in mental health promotion programs designed to improve "mental health literacy" and thereby promote early and appropriate help-seeking where this is needed. © 2017 The Author(s).

Author Keywords

Help-seeking Mental health Refugees Afghanistan trauma

Index Keywords

symptomatology depression refugee mental health service Australia clinical feature mental health human sex difference Self Report life event priority journal Aged health program male female population research Article functional disease help seeking behavior major clinical study adult posttraumatic stress disorder age distribution health literacy Afghan
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85028068883&doi=10.1186%2fs13033-017-0157-z&partnerID=40&md5=9aea651e0ee005d3462d3b6a07d1746c
DOI: 10.1186/s13033-017-0157-z
ISSN: 17524458
Cited by: 6
Original Language: English