Martina Heeren1, Lutz Wittmann2, Ulrike Ehlert3, Ulrich Schnyder4, Thomas Maier5, Julia Müller4. 1. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Zurich, Culmannstrasse 8, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland. Electronic address: martina.heeren@me.com. 2. International Psychoanalytic University Berlin, Stromstrasse 2a, 10555 Berlin, Germany. 3. Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Binzmuehlestrasse 14/26, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland. 4. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Zurich, Culmannstrasse 8, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland. 5. Psychiatric Services of the Canton St. Gallen-North, Wil, Switzerland.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe, compare, and predict mental health outcomes of different migrant groups and native residents in Switzerland. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Asylum seekers (n=65); refugees holding permanent protection visas (n=34); illegal migrants (n=21); labor migrants (n=26); and residents (n=56) completed an assessment by questionnaire. Main outcome variables were symptoms of posttraumatic stress, anxiety and depression. It was tested whether resident status predicted psychopathology over and above the influence of control variables including social desirability, traumatic event types and post-migration resources. RESULTS: Asylum seekers (54.0%) and refugees (41.4%) fulfilled criteria of PTSD most frequently. Clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety and depression were most frequently reported by asylum seekers (84.6% and 63.1%, resp.) and illegal migrants (both 47.6%). Resident status contributed to psychopathology over and above the influence of control variables. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, asylum seekers, refugees, and illegal migrants showed high psychiatric morbidity. Differences in resident status appear to be specifically associated with mental health outcomes. This association persists even when controlling for social desirability, post-migration resources and traumatic events. This emphasizes the importance of current socio-political living conditions for mental health, even with respect to the psychopathological sequelae of past traumatic experiences.
PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe, compare, and predict mental health outcomes of different migrant groups and native residents in Switzerland. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Asylum seekers (n=65); refugees holding permanent protection visas (n=34); illegal migrants (n=21); labor migrants (n=26); and residents (n=56) completed an assessment by questionnaire. Main outcome variables were symptoms of posttraumatic stress, anxiety and depression. It was tested whether resident status predicted psychopathology over and above the influence of control variables including social desirability, traumatic event types and post-migration resources. RESULTS: Asylum seekers (54.0%) and refugees (41.4%) fulfilled criteria of PTSD most frequently. Clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety and depression were most frequently reported by asylum seekers (84.6% and 63.1%, resp.) and illegal migrants (both 47.6%). Resident status contributed to psychopathology over and above the influence of control variables. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, asylum seekers, refugees, and illegal migrants showed high psychiatric morbidity. Differences in resident status appear to be specifically associated with mental health outcomes. This association persists even when controlling for social desirability, post-migration resources and traumatic events. This emphasizes the importance of current socio-political living conditions for mental health, even with respect to the psychopathological sequelae of past traumatic experiences.
Authors: Lillian Mwanri; Nelsensius Klau Fauk; Anna Ziersch; Hailay Abrha Gesesew; Gregorius Abanit Asa; Paul Russell Ward Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-06-28 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Gianluca Voglino; Maria Rosaria Gualano; Giuseppina Lo Moro; Pietro Forghieri; Marco Caprioli; Heba Safwat Mhmoued Abdo Elhadidy; Fabrizio Bert; Roberta Siliquini Journal: J Community Psychol Date: 2021-08-11