International Journal of Social Psychiatry
Volume 63, Issue 8, 2017, Pages 686-693

Mental health risks and stressors faced by urban refugees: Perceived impacts of war and community adversities among Somali refugees in Nairobi (Article)

Im H.* , Ferguson A.B. , Warsame A.H. , Isse M.M.
  • a School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
  • b College of Social Work, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
  • c Tawakal Medical Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
  • d Tawakal Medical Centre, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Background: There is a gap in understanding of refugee mental health risks unique to urban areas of low-income countries. Material: A qualitative rapid appraisal using focus group interviews with community stakeholders explored main stressors pervasive by Somali refugees in Nairobi, Kenya. Discussion: This study identified the intersection of war trauma and daily stressors that affect both functional and structural challenges and risk of mental health issues among Somali urban refugees. Conclusion: Findings underscore the importance of understanding mental health in the broader context of community adversities, suggesting development of contextually informed interventions responsive to complex needs of urban refugees. © 2017, © The Author(s) 2017.

Author Keywords

community adversity Urban refugee Mental health Somali refugee trauma

Index Keywords

information processing refugee mental health human Life Change Events Refugees life event Stress, Psychological mental stress Kenya ethnology qualitative research interview Humans psychology Interviews as Topic male female risk factor Risk Factors Social Environment Somalia Focus Groups
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85034597740&doi=10.1177%2f0020764017728966&partnerID=40&md5=228fcc994363cc90e8e0748c5271541b
DOI: 10.1177/0020764017728966
ISSN: 00207640
Cited by: 5
Original Language: English