Journal of Loss and Trauma
Volume 22, Issue 2, 2017, Pages 135-149

Physical Correlates of Torture Exposure in Karen Refugees (Article)

Hoffman S.J.* , Robertson C.L. , Shannon P.J. , Cook T.L. , Letts J. , Mathiason M.A.
  • a School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
  • b School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
  • c School of Social Work, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
  • d School of Social Work, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
  • e HealthEast Care System, St. Paul, MN, United States
  • f School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States

Abstract

We explored associations between torture history and physical health symptoms of 111 Karen refugees newly arrived to the United States. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of electronic health data collected at the initial refugee health-screening exam. Unique to this analysis was the exploration of relationships between torture exposure, war trauma, and presenting physical and psychological health issues. We identified no unique effects of torture on physical health above and beyond trauma exposure. Overall, in our sample we found a high prevalence of underlying infectious conditions, pain, and hypercholesterolemia, regardless of torture exposure. We discuss effects of war trauma and torture experiences on physical exam findings and implications for future research. © 2017 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Author Keywords

Karen refugee Health Burma war trauma Torture Myanmar

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84982806336&doi=10.1080%2f15325024.2016.1212609&partnerID=40&md5=faefe36fc7abaa34c87431671548b95f
DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2016.1212609
ISSN: 15325024
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English