Emily Satinsky1, Daniela C Fuhr2, Aniek Woodward3, Egbert Sondorp3, Bayard Roberts2. 1. London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, Department of Health Services Research and Policy, 15-17 Tavistock Place, Kings Cross, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom. Electronic address: ens48@cornell.edu. 2. London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, Department of Health Services Research and Policy, 15-17 Tavistock Place, Kings Cross, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom. 3. KIT Health, KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Refugees and asylum seekers often have increased mental health needs, yet may face barriers in accessing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services in destination countries. The aim of this systematic review is to examine evidence on MHPSS service utilisation and access among refugees and asylum seekers in European Union Single Market countries. METHODS: Four peer-reviewed and eight grey literature databases were searched for quantitative and qualitative literature from 2007 to 2017. Access was categorised according to Penchansky and Thomas' framework and descriptive analyses were conducted. Quality of studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. RESULTS: Twenty-seven articles were included. The findings suggest inadequate MHPSS utilisation. Major barriers to accessing care included language, help-seeking behaviours, lack of awareness, stigma, and negative attitudes towards and by providers. CONCLUSIONS: Refugees and asylum seekers have high mental health needs but under-utilise services in European host countries. This underutilisation may be explained by cultural-specific barriers which need to be tackled to increase treatment demand. Training health providers on cultural models of mental illness may facilitate appropriate identification, referral, and care. Based on these findings, it is crucial to review policies regarding MHPSS provision across the EU.
BACKGROUND: Refugees and asylum seekers often have increased mental health needs, yet may face barriers in accessing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services in destination countries. The aim of this systematic review is to examine evidence on MHPSS service utilisation and access among refugees and asylum seekers in European Union Single Market countries. METHODS: Four peer-reviewed and eight grey literature databases were searched for quantitative and qualitative literature from 2007 to 2017. Access was categorised according to Penchansky and Thomas' framework and descriptive analyses were conducted. Quality of studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. RESULTS: Twenty-seven articles were included. The findings suggest inadequate MHPSS utilisation. Major barriers to accessing care included language, help-seeking behaviours, lack of awareness, stigma, and negative attitudes towards and by providers. CONCLUSIONS: Refugees and asylum seekers have high mental health needs but under-utilise services in European host countries. This underutilisation may be explained by cultural-specific barriers which need to be tackled to increase treatment demand. Training health providers on cultural models of mental illness may facilitate appropriate identification, referral, and care. Based on these findings, it is crucial to review policies regarding MHPSS provision across the EU.
Authors: Christina Tzogiou; Jacques Spycher; Raphaël Bize; Javier Sanchis Zozaya; Jeremie Blaser; Brigitte Pahud Vermeulen; Andrea Felappi; Patrick Bodenmann; Joachim Marti Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2022-07-30 Impact factor: 2.908
Authors: Eva Spiritus-Beerden; An Verelst; Ines Devlieger; Nina Langer Primdahl; Fábio Botelho Guedes; Antonio Chiarenza; Stephanie De Maesschalck; Natalie Durbeej; Rocío Garrido; Margarida Gaspar de Matos; Elisabeth Ioannidi; Rebecca Murphy; Rachid Oulahal; Fatumo Osman; Beatriz Padilla; Virginia Paloma; Amer Shehadeh; Gesine Sturm; Maria van den Muijsenbergh; Katerina Vasilikou; Charles Watters; Sara Willems; Morten Skovdal; Ilse Derluyn Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-06-11 Impact factor: 3.390