The complex nature of recent wars and armed conflicts has forced many warinjured persons into exile. To investigate their long-term mental health, three instruments for assessing mental health (HSCL-25, PTSS-10, and a Well-Being scale) were presented to 44 war-wounded refugees from nine different countries 8 years after arrival in Sweden. The prevalence of psychiatric symptoms was high and corresponds to findings in previous studies of refugee patient populations. A lower level of mental health was associated with higher education, unemployment, and poor physical health. The findings suggest a high psychiatric morbidity and a need for psychiatric interventions in this refugee group. Methodological issues to be considered in research on sequels of war traumas are discussed.

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unemployment educational status refugee methodology Follow-Up Studies Wounds and Injuries mental health human risk assessment comorbidity Refugees Veterans war Ethnic Groups middle aged outpatient prognosis Mental Disorders Sweden Humans Cross-Cultural Comparison male Psychiatric Status Rating Scales high risk population cultural factor prevalence Article major clinical study adult posttraumatic stress disorder Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic