Cheryl Lee Robertson1, Kay Savik2, Michelle Mathiason-Moore3, Amin Mohamed4, Sarah Hoffman5. 1. Cheryl Lee Robertson, PhD, MPH, RN, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA rober007@umn.edu. 2. Kay Savik, MS, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA. 3. Michelle Mathiason-Moore, MS, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA. 4. Amin Mohammed, MPH, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA. 5. Sarah Hoffman, BSN, MPH, PhD, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Refugee trauma survivors often experience posttraumatic stress disorder, other anxiety disorders, depression, and somatization. As a result, many suffer a disproportionate vulnerability to a variety of interpersonal, health, and social problems. OBJECTIVE: The study purpose was to develop a preliminary predictive model identifying high-risk refugee trauma survivors based on levels of trauma and psychological functioning. METHOD: A subset of 449 Somali and Oromo refugee trauma survivors was randomly selected from a larger study for secondary data analysis. Data from the PTSD Checklist-Civilian version, the Revised Hopkins Symptom Checklist, and the Sheehan Disability Inventory contributed to a psychological functioning score. A researcher-developed survey contributed to a composite trauma score. RESULTS: Predictors associated with functioning level differed by gender. Of interest, caring for children and increasing coping strategies were related to lower functioning in women. The regression relationship between trauma and functioning was linear in men but quadratic in women. CONCLUSION: Understanding the mechanisms linking trauma and function is implicated in the assessment of risk among trauma survivors. Predictive models inform the effective psychosocial interventions targeting those at greatest risk.
BACKGROUND: Refugee trauma survivors often experience posttraumatic stress disorder, other anxiety disorders, depression, and somatization. As a result, many suffer a disproportionate vulnerability to a variety of interpersonal, health, and social problems. OBJECTIVE: The study purpose was to develop a preliminary predictive model identifying high-risk refugee trauma survivors based on levels of trauma and psychological functioning. METHOD: A subset of 449 Somali and Oromo refugee trauma survivors was randomly selected from a larger study for secondary data analysis. Data from the PTSD Checklist-Civilian version, the Revised Hopkins Symptom Checklist, and the Sheehan Disability Inventory contributed to a psychological functioning score. A researcher-developed survey contributed to a composite trauma score. RESULTS: Predictors associated with functioning level differed by gender. Of interest, caring for children and increasing coping strategies were related to lower functioning in women. The regression relationship between trauma and functioning was linear in men but quadratic in women. CONCLUSION: Understanding the mechanisms linking trauma and function is implicated in the assessment of risk among trauma survivors. Predictive models inform the effective psychosocial interventions targeting those at greatest risk.