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The mental healthcare needs of undocumented migrants: an exploratory analysis of psychological distress and living conditions among undocumented migrants in Norway

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  • Trine Myhrvold
  • Milada Cvancarova Småstuen

Abstract

Aims and objectives To explore undocumented migrants’ mental healthcare needs and more specifically to explore how undocumented adults living in Norway perceive psychological distress, to gather insight on their living conditions and to explore associated living condition risk factors. Background Undocumented migrants are defined both nationally and internationally as an especially vulnerable group with regard to their health status, living conditions and barriers to access to health care and social welfare. Design An exploratory mixed‐methods design using primarily quantitative data with a qualitative component was implemented. Methods Socio‐demographic data on 90 undocumented migrants were obtained, and self‐report questionnaire on psychological distress was completed, supplemented by qualitative data obtained through interviews. Results The level of psychological distress was extremely high in our group of undocumented migrants. Leaving their home country because of war or persecution, economic strain, homelessness, hunger and having experienced abuse was significantly positively associated with psychological distress. Contrary to what was predicted, having family and work was not significantly associated with the reduction of psychological distress. Additional qualitative data indicate that having family entails great responsibilities and work implies exploitation to such an extent that any potential positive influence this has on mental health, such as a sense of belonging and a reasonable standard of living, is outweighed. Conclusions The high level of psychological distress indicates a need of additional diagnostic evaluation and mental health care. The living conditions were so marginal that their day‐to‐day existence was threatened. Relevance to clinical practice We recognised a need for an interdisciplinary and dynamic approach to mental health care. Undocumented migrants are in need of a minimum of psychological and material support assuring basic needs such as shelter and appropriate food and access to health care and social welfare.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jocnur:v:26:y:2017:i:5-6:p:825-839
    DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13670
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Trine Myhrvold & Milada C. Småstuen, 2019. "Undocumented migrants’ life situations: An exploratory analysis of quality of life and living conditions in a sample of undocumented migrants living in Norway," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(11-12), pages 2073-2087, June.
    2. Mia Tulli & Bukola Salami & Jessica Juen & Jason Foster & Helen Vallianatos & Philomina Okeke-Ihejirika, 2023. "“I feel like I’m just nowhere”: Causes and Challenges of Status Loss in Canada," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 139-161, March.
    3. José Antonio Ponce-Blandón & Rocío Romero-Castillo & Nerea Jiménez-Picón & Juan Carlos Palomo-Lara & Aurora Castro-Méndez & Manuel Pabón-Carrasco, 2021. "Lived Experiences of African Migrants Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar to Europe: A Cross-Cultural Approach to Healthcare from a Qualitative Methodology," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-13, September.
    4. Yves Jackson & Adeline Paignon & Hans Wolff & Noelia Delicado, 2018. "Health of undocumented migrants in primary care in Switzerland," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(7), pages 1-13, July.
    5. Jiafeng Gu & Xing Ming, 2021. "The Influence of Living Conditions on Self-Rated Health: Evidence from China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-15, August.
    6. Eick, Frode & Vallersnes, Odd Martin & Fjeld, Heidi E. & Sørbye, Ingvil K. & Valberg, Morten & Dahl, Cecilie, 2024. "Perinatal mortality among pregnant undocumented migrants in Norway 1999–2020: A register-based population study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 353(C).

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