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Somali and Oromo Refugees: Correlates of Torture and Trauma History

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Listed:
  • Jaranson, J.M.
  • Butcher, J.
  • Halcon, L.
  • Johnson, D.R.
  • Robertson, C.
  • Savik, K.
  • Spring, M.
  • Westermeyer, J.

Abstract

Objectives. This cross-sectional, community-based, epidemiological study characterized Somali and Ethiopian (Oromo) refugees in Minnesota to determine torture prevalence and associated problems. Methods. A comprehensive questionnaire was developed, then administered by trained ethnic interviewers to a nonprobability sample of 1134. Measures assessed torture techniques; traumatic events; and social, physical, and psychological problems, including posttraumatic stress symptoms. Results. Torture prevalence ranged from 25% to 69% by ethnicity and gender, higher than usually reported. Unexpectedly, women were tortured as often as men. Torture survivors had more health problems, including posttraumatic stress. Conclusions. This study highlights the need to recognize torture in African refugees, especially women, identify indicators of posttraumatic stress in torture survivors, and provide additional resources to care for tortured refugees.

Suggested Citation

  • Jaranson, J.M. & Butcher, J. & Halcon, L. & Johnson, D.R. & Robertson, C. & Savik, K. & Spring, M. & Westermeyer, J., 2004. "Somali and Oromo Refugees: Correlates of Torture and Trauma History," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(4), pages 591-598.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:2004:94:4:591-598_2
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Kent P Schwirian & Patricia M Schwirian, 2019. "Perceived Physical Health and Psychological Distress of International Refugees- The Case of Early Wave Somali Refugees to The United States," Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, Biomedical Research Network+, LLC, vol. 20(5), pages 15383-15388, August.
    2. Horn, Tonya L. & Piescher, Kristine & Shannon, Patricia J. & Hong, Saahoon & Benton, Anna, 2017. "Experiences of Somali and Oromo youth in the child protection system," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 10-19.
    3. David Whitsett & Martin F Sherman, 2017. "Do resettlement variables predict psychiatric treatment outcomes in a sample of asylum-seeking survivors of torture?," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 63(8), pages 674-685, December.
    4. Michael Hollifield & Eric C. Toolson & Sasha Verbillis-Kolp & Beth Farmer & Junko Yamazaki & Tsegaba Woldehaimanot & Annette Holland, 2021. "Distress and Resilience in Resettled Refugees of War: Implications for Screening," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-15, January.
    5. Priebe, Stefan & Bogic, Marija & Ashcroft, Richard & Franciskovic, Tanja & Galeazzi, Gian Maria & Kucukalic, Abdulah & Lecic-Tosevski, Dusica & Morina, Nexhmedin & Popovski, Mihajlo & Roughton, Michae, 2010. "Experience of human rights violations and subsequent mental disorders - A study following the war in the Balkans," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 71(12), pages 2170-2177, December.
    6. Miller, Kenneth E. & Rasmussen, Andrew, 2010. "War exposure, daily stressors, and mental health in conflict and post-conflict settings: Bridging the divide between trauma-focused and psychosocial frameworks," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 70(1), pages 7-16, January.
    7. Schippert, Ana Carla S.P. & Grov, Ellen Karine & Dahl-Michelsen, Tone & Silvola, Juha & Sparboe-Nilsen, Bente & Danielsen, Stein Ove & Lie, Irene & Bjørnnes, Ann Kristin, 2023. "Re-traumatization of torture survivors during treatment in somatic healthcare services: A mapping review and appraisal of literature presenting clinical guidelines and recommendations to prevent re-tr," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 323(C).
    8. Joseph El-Khoury & Riwa Haidar & Andres Barkil-Oteo, 2021. "Psychological torture: Characteristics and impact on mental health," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 67(5), pages 500-506, August.

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