Trajectories of psychosocial symptoms and wellbeing in asylum seekers and refugees exposed to traumatic events and resettled in Western Europe, Turkey, and Uganda

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Marianna Purgato - , University of Verona (Author)
  • Federico Tedeschi - , University of Verona (Author)
  • Giulia Turrini - , University of Verona (Author)
  • Ceren Acartürk - , Koc University (Author)
  • Minna Anttila - , University of Turku (Author)
  • Jura Augustinavicious - , McGill University (Author)
  • Josef Baumgartner - , Medical University of Vienna (Author)
  • Richard Bryant - , University of New South Wales (Author)
  • Rachel Churchill - , University of York (Author)
  • Zeynep Ilkkursun - , Koc University (Author)
  • Eirini Karyotaki - , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) (Author)
  • Thomas Klein - , Ulm University (Author)
  • Markus Koesters - , Ulm University (Author)
  • Tella Lantta - , University of Turku (Author)
  • Marx R. Leku - , Kampala University (Author)
  • Michela Nosè - , University of Verona (Author)
  • Giovanni Ostuzzi - , University of Verona (Author)
  • Mariana Popa - , University of Liverpool (UOL) (Author)
  • Eleonora Prina - , University of Verona (Author)
  • Marit Sijbrandij - , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) (Author)
  • Ersin Uygun - , Istanbul Bilgi University (Author)
  • Maritta Välimäki - , University of Turku, Central South University (Author)
  • Lauren Walker - , University of York (Author)
  • Johannes Wancata - , Medical University of Vienna (Author)
  • Ross G. White - , Queen's University Belfast (Author)
  • Pim Cuijpers - , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) (Author)
  • Wietse Tol - , University of Copenhagen (Author)
  • Corrado Barbui - , University of Verona (Author)

Abstract

Background: Longitudinal studies examining mental health trajectories in refugees and asylum seekers are scarce. Objectives: To investigate trajectories of psychological symptoms and wellbeing in refugees and asylum seekers, and identify factors associated with these trajectories. Method: 912 asylum seekers and refugees from the control arm of three trials in Europe (n = 229), Turkey (n = 320), and Uganda (n = 363) were included. We described trajectories of psychological symptoms and wellbeing, and used trauma exposure, age, marital status, education, and individual trial as predictors. Then, we assessed the bidirectional interactions between wellbeing and psychological symptoms, and the effect of each predictor on each outcome controlling for baseline values. Results: Symptom improvement was identified in all trials, and for wellbeing in 64.7% of participants in Europe and Turkey, versus 31.5% in Uganda. In Europe and Turkey domestic violence predicted increased symptoms at post-intervention (ß = 1.36, 95% CI 0.17–2.56), whilst murder of family members at 6-month follow-up (ß = 1.23, 95% CI 0.27–2.19). Lower wellbeing was predicted by murder of family member (ß = −1.69, 95% CI −3.06 to −0.32), having been kidnapped (ß = −1.67, 95% CI −3.19 to −0.15), close to death (ß = −1.38, 95% CI −2.70 to −0.06), and being in the host country ≥2 years (ß = −1.60, 95% CI −3.05 to −0.14). In Uganda at post-intervention, having been kidnapped predicted increased symptoms (ß = 2.11, 95% CI 0.58–3.65), and lack of shelter (ß = −2.51, 95% CI −4.44 to −0.58) and domestic violence predicted lower wellbeing (ß = −1.36, 95% CI −2.67 to −0.05). Conclusion: Many participants adapt to adversity, but contextual factors play a critical role in determining mental health trajectories.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number2128270
JournalEuropean Journal of Psychotraumatology
Volume13
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 36237827
ORCID /0000-0001-7018-6021/work/168207892

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • asylum seekers, Individual participant data analysis, psychological symptoms, refugees, wellbeing