Health Policy
Volume 123, Issue 9, 2019, Pages 851-863
Mental health care utilisation and access among refugees and asylum seekers in Europe: A systematic review (Article) (Open Access)
Satinsky E.* ,
Fuhr D.C. ,
Woodward A. ,
Sondorp E. ,
Roberts B.
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a
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, Department of Health Services Research and Policy, 15-17 Tavistock Place, Kings Cross, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
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b
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, Department of Health Services Research and Policy, 15-17 Tavistock Place, Kings Cross, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
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c
KIT Health, KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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d
KIT Health, KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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e
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, Department of Health Services Research and Policy, 15-17 Tavistock Place, Kings Cross, London, WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom
Abstract
Background: Refugees and asylum seekers often have increased mental health needs, yet may face barriers in accessing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services in destination countries. The aim of this systematic review is to examine evidence on MHPSS service utilisation and access among refugees and asylum seekers in European Union Single Market countries. Methods: Four peer-reviewed and eight grey literature databases were searched for quantitative and qualitative literature from 2007 to 2017. Access was categorised according to Penchansky and Thomas’ framework and descriptive analyses were conducted. Quality of studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Results: Twenty-seven articles were included. The findings suggest inadequate MHPSS utilisation. Major barriers to accessing care included language, help-seeking behaviours, lack of awareness, stigma, and negative attitudes towards and by providers. Conclusions: Refugees and asylum seekers have high mental health needs but under-utilise services in European host countries. This underutilisation may be explained by cultural-specific barriers which need to be tackled to increase treatment demand. Training health providers on cultural models of mental illness may facilitate appropriate identification, referral, and care. Based on these findings, it is crucial to review policies regarding MHPSS provision across the EU. © 2019 The Authors
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Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85062298229&doi=10.1016%2fj.healthpol.2019.02.007&partnerID=40&md5=fda350036a3889c77ff39fb2f25e207a
DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2019.02.007
ISSN: 01688510
Cited by: 5
Original Language: English