BMC Public Health
Volume 17, Issue 1, 2017

Mental health of African asylum-seekers and refugees in Hong Kong: Using the social determinants of health framework (Article) (Open Access)

Wong W.C.W.* , Cheung S. , Miu H.Y.H. , Chen J. , Loper K.A. , Holroyd E.
  • a Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, University of Hong Kong, 3/F., Ap Lei Chau Clinic, 161 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
  • b Anthropology Department, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
  • c Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, University of Hong Kong, 3/F., Ap Lei Chau Clinic, 161 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong
  • d Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, University of Hong Kong, 3/F., Ap Lei Chau Clinic, 161 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, Bau Institute of Medical and Health Sciences Education, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
  • e Department of Law, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
  • f Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract

Background: Hong Kong is non-signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, and has no systematic domestic policies committed to the rights of asylum-seekers and refugees (ASRs). This creates a tenuous setting for African ASRs there. This study explored how mapped social determinates of health has impacted the mental health and wellbeing of African ASR's in Hong Kong. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 374 African ASRs. The survey comprised of: (a) socio-demographics; (b) health status; (c) health behaviours; and, (d) social experiences. Associations between social determinants of health and depression screen were explored and multivariable regression analysis was conducted. Results: Majority of participants were 18-37 years old (79.7%), male (77.2%), single (66.4%) and educated (60.9% high school and above). Over a third (36.1%) screened positive for depression. Analyses revealed that living with family reduced the odds of a positive depression screen (OR = 0.25, 95%CI = 0.07-0.88). Those perceiving their health to be "Poor" were 5.78 times as likely to be screened for depression. Additionally, those with higher scores on the discrimination scale were more likely to have positive depression screen (OR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.10-1.24). Conclusion: A significant proportion of African ASRs in Hong Kong exhibits depressive symptoms. A complex interaction combining both social and perceptions of health and discrimination in the host society is likely exacerbated by their ASR status. The use of community support groups or even re-examination of the family reunification laws could improve the mental health and wellbeing of African ASRs in Hong Kong. © 2017 The Author(s).

Author Keywords

African refugees social determinants of health Depression Mental health Hong Kong

Index Keywords

refugee human Health Behavior Refugees middle aged statistics and numerical data social determinants of health health status Depressive Disorder Health Surveys ethnology Cross-Sectional Studies Young Adult cross-sectional study Humans psychology Adolescent male female Socioeconomic Factors Africa socioeconomics adult Hong Kong health survey
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85011277366&doi=10.1186%2fs12889-016-3953-5&partnerID=40&md5=230113319b84f9da5f8ba9520fe621e3
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3953-5
ISSN: 14712458
Cited by: 3
Original Language: English