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Karenni refugees living in Thai-Burmese border camps: traumatic experiences, mental health outcomes, and social functioning

Author

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  • Cardozo, Barbara Lopes
  • Talley, Leisel
  • Burton, Ann
  • Crawford, Carol

Abstract

In June 2001, we assessed mental health problems among Karenni refugees residing in camps in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, to determine the prevalence of mental illness, identify risk factors, and develop a culturally appropriate intervention program. A systematic random sample was used with stratification for the three camps; 495 people aged 15 years or older from 317 households participated. We constructed a questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, culture-specific symptoms of mental illness, the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25, the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, and selected questions from the SF-36 Health Survey. Mental health outcome scores indicated elevated levels of depression and anxiety symptoms; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) scores were comparable to scores in other communities affected by war and persecution. Psychosocial risk factors for poorer mental health and social functioning outcomes were insufficient food, higher number of trauma events, previous mental illness, and landmine injuries. Modifications in refugee policy may improve social functioning, and innovative mental health and psychosocial programs need to be implemented, monitored, and evaluated for efficacy.

Suggested Citation

  • Cardozo, Barbara Lopes & Talley, Leisel & Burton, Ann & Crawford, Carol, 2004. "Karenni refugees living in Thai-Burmese border camps: traumatic experiences, mental health outcomes, and social functioning," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 58(12), pages 2637-2644, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:58:y:2004:i:12:p:2637-2644
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    Cited by:

    1. Nuarpear Lekfuangfu, 2016. "Childhood Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Later-Life Outcomes: A Hidden Consequence of the 1989 Typhoon Gay," PIER Discussion Papers 32., Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research, revised Jun 2016.
    2. Trine Myhrvold & Milada Cvancarova Småstuen, 2017. "The mental healthcare needs of undocumented migrants: an exploratory analysis of psychological distress and living conditions among undocumented migrants in Norway," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 26(5-6), pages 825-839, March.
    3. Nuarpear Lekfuangfu, 2016. "Childhood Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Later-Life Outcomes: A Hidden Consequence of the 1989 Typhoon Gay," PIER Discussion Papers 32, Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research.
    4. Ajmal K. Manduzai & Arshad M. Abbasi & Shujaul M. Khan & Abdullah Abdullah & Julia Prakofjewa & Mohammad H. Amini & Muhammad S. Amjad & Kevin Cianfaglione & Michele F. Fontefrancesco & Renata Soukand , 2021. "The Importance of Keeping Alive Sustainable Foraging Practices: Wild Vegetables and Herbs Gathered by Afghan Refugees Living in Mansehra District, Pakistan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-17, February.

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