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

Causes of and risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder: The beliefs of Iraqi and Afghan refugees resettled in Australia (Article) (Open Access)

Slewa-Younan S.* , Guajardo M.G.U. , Yaser A. , Mond J. , Smith M. , Milosevic D. , Smith C. , Lujic S. , Jorm A.F.
  • a Western Sydney University, Mental Health, Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW, Australia, University of Melbourne, Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Australia
  • b Western Sydney University, Mental Health, Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW, Australia
  • c Western Sydney University, Mental Health, Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW, Australia
  • d Western Sydney University, Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, Sydney, Australia, University of Tasmania, Centre for Rural Health, Launceston, Australia
  • e New South Wales Refugee Health Service, Liverpool, Australia
  • f South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, Sydney, Australia
  • g Western Sydney University, National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Sydney, Australia
  • h University of New South Wales, Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Sydney, Australia
  • i University of Melbourne, Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Australia

Abstract

Background: Resettled refugees are a vulnerable group for mental health problems and in particular, trauma-related disorders. Evidence suggests that poor 'mental health literacy' (MHL) is a major factor in low or inappropriate treatment-seeking among individuals with mental health problems. This study sought to determine the beliefs regarding the causes of and risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) amongst two resettled refugee groups in Australia. Methods: Utilising a culturally adapted MHL survey method, 225 Iraqis and 150 Afghans of refugee background were surveyed. Results: Approximately 52% of the Iraqi participants selected 'experiencing a traumatic event' as the 'most likely' cause for the clinical vignette, whereas 31.3% of the Afghan sample selected 'coming from a war torn country' as their top cause. While both groups identified being 'born in war torn country' as the most likely risk, at 34.4 and 48% of the Iraqis and Afghans respectively, differences regarding other risk factors selected were noted. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate the need for culturally sensitive health promotion and early intervention programs seeking to improve MHL relating to PTSD in resettled refugee populations. There is also a need for mental health services to recognise that variation in MHL may be a function of both the cultural origin of a refugee population and their resettlement experiences. Such recognition is needed in order to bridge the gap between Western, biomedical models for mental health care and the knowledge and beliefs of resettled refugee populations. © 2017 The Author(s).

Author Keywords

Causes posttraumatic stress disorder Refugees Risks Mental health literacy

Index Keywords

male female major clinical study Aged risk factor refugee health promotion Iraqi Australia health survey Article interview Afghan mental health human adult posttraumatic stress disorder
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85010210677&doi=10.1186%2fs13033-016-0109-z&partnerID=40&md5=544f5afc7794314d634c9fbde8a41982
DOI: 10.1186/s13033-016-0109-z
ISSN: 17524458
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English