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Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Mental Health Care of Asylum Seekers

Author

Listed:
  • Rafael Youngmann

    (Clinical Psychology Graduate Program, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek-Hefer 4015000, Israel)

  • Rachel Bachner-Melman

    (Clinical Psychology Graduate Program, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek-Hefer 4015000, Israel
    School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem 91905, Israel)

  • Lilac Lev-Ari

    (Clinical Psychology Graduate Program, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek-Hefer 4015000, Israel)

  • Hadar Tzur

    (Clinical Psychology Graduate Program, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek-Hefer 4015000, Israel)

  • Ravit Hileli

    (Beer Ya’akov-Nez Tziona Mental Health Center, Beer Yaakov 70350, Israel)

  • Ido Lurie

    (Department of Psychiatry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6812509, Israel
    Shalvata Mental Health Center, Hod Hasharon 69978, Israel)

Abstract

Asylum seekers in Israel from East Africa frequently experienced traumatic events along their journey, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula, where they were subjected to trafficking and torture. Exposure to trauma has implications for rights that are contingent on refugee status. This retrospective chart review aimed to characterize the types of traumas experienced by 219 asylum seekers (149 men) from Eritrea and Sudan who sought treatment at a specialized mental health clinic in Israel, and to compare the mental health of trauma victims ( n = 168) with that of non-trauma victims ( n = 53). About 76.7% of the asylum seekers had experienced at least one traumatic event, of whom 56.5% were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Most reported traumas were experienced en route in the Sinai, rather than in the country of origin or Israel. Few clinical differences were observed between trauma victims and non-trauma victims, or between trauma victims with and without a PTSD diagnosis. Our findings emphasize the importance of accessibility to mental and other health services for asylum seekers. Governmental policies and international conventions on the definition of human trafficking may need to be revised, as well as asylum seekers’ rights and access to health services related to visa status.

Suggested Citation

  • Rafael Youngmann & Rachel Bachner-Melman & Lilac Lev-Ari & Hadar Tzur & Ravit Hileli & Ido Lurie, 2021. "Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Mental Health Care of Asylum Seekers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-16, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:20:p:10661-:d:653992
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zimmerman, C. & Hossain, M. & Yun, K. & Gajdadziev, V. & Guzun, N. & Tchomarova, M. & Ciarrocchi, R.A. & Johansson, A. & Kefurtova, A. & Scodanibbio, S. & Motus, M.N. & Roche, B. & Morison, L. & Watts, 2008. "The health of trafficked women: A survey of women entering posttrafficking services in Europe," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 98(1), pages 55-59.
    2. Anna Leiler & Michael Hollifield & Elisabet Wasteson & Anna Bjärtå, 2019. "Suicidal Ideation and Severity of Distress among Refugees Residing in Asylum Accommodations in Sweden," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-7, August.
    3. Alberto Barbieri & Federica Visco-Comandini & Danilo Alunni Fegatelli & Anna Dessì & Giuseppe Cannella & Antonella Stellacci & Sabine Pirchio, 2021. "Patterns and predictors of PTSD in treatment-seeking African refugees and asylum seekers: A latent class analysis," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 67(4), pages 386-396, June.
    4. Lindert, Jutta & Ehrenstein, Ondine S. von & Priebe, Stefan & Mielck, Andreas & Brähler, Elmar, 2009. "Depression and anxiety in labor migrants and refugees - A systematic review and meta-analysis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 69(2), pages 246-257, July.
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