Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100348
Patricia Silva , Henrique Pereira
This study aimed to develop and validate a self-report scale to measure the psychosocial adaptation of migrant women, integrating dimensions of psychological and sociocultural adaptation. After a literature review and focus group with migrant women, the Psychosocial Adaptation Scale for Migrant Women (PAS-MW) with 22 items was developed. For the validation, we conducted (I) the evaluation of internal consistency, sensitivity, difficulty, and reliability of the items, (II) exploratory factor analysis, (III) analysis of construct validity (convergent, discriminant, comparison between known groups and correlations), and (IV) predictive criterion validity. Factor analysis identified two most significant factors, representing components of psychological adaptation (Factor 1) and sociocultural adaptation (Factor 2). The final scale showed great internal consistency (α = 0.87, ω = 0.875, KMO = 0.850, and Bartlett's significant). The construct and criterion validity were significant and consistent with the previous theory. The PAS-MW offers a specific instrument for assessing the psychosocial adaptation process of migrant women. Future studies could explore the application in diverse cultural contexts and compare its results between different groups of migrant women.
{"title":"Development and validation of a psychosocial adaptation scale for migrant women (PAS-MW)","authors":"Patricia Silva , Henrique Pereira","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100348","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100348","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to develop and validate a self-report scale to measure the psychosocial adaptation of migrant women, integrating dimensions of psychological and sociocultural adaptation. After a literature review and focus group with migrant women, the Psychosocial Adaptation Scale for Migrant Women (PAS-MW) with 22 items was developed. For the validation, we conducted (I) the evaluation of internal consistency, sensitivity, difficulty, and reliability of the items, (II) exploratory factor analysis, (III) analysis of construct validity (convergent, discriminant, comparison between known groups and correlations), and (IV) predictive criterion validity. Factor analysis identified two most significant factors, representing components of psychological adaptation (Factor 1) and sociocultural adaptation (Factor 2). The final scale showed great internal consistency (α = 0.87, ω = 0.875, KMO = 0.850, and Bartlett's significant). The construct and criterion validity were significant and consistent with the previous theory. The PAS-MW offers a specific instrument for assessing the psychosocial adaptation process of migrant women. Future studies could explore the application in diverse cultural contexts and compare its results between different groups of migrant women.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100348"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144737997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2023.100209
Dominik Zenner , Renzo R. Guinto , Helena Legido-Quigley
{"title":"Connecting the dots: The triangle of migration, health and climate change","authors":"Dominik Zenner , Renzo R. Guinto , Helena Legido-Quigley","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2023.100209","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2023.100209","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100209"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144254387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The influx of African immigrants and their offspring to United States has increased the heterogeneity of the Black communities. While COVID-19 has lay bare the disproportionate impact of the virus on Black communities, the perceptions and reactions of African immigrants’ offspring to the pandemic is yet to be explored. As part of an ongoing project on COVID-19 and African Immigrants and Refugees (AIR), interviews were conducted with participants that identified as African immigrant offspring and young adults who migrated to the US. Interview questions were guided by the Social Ecological Model, and data was analyzed using thematic analysis approach. Key findings highlight the prevalence of misinformation and key information sources, crystallized into four themes: (1) knowledge of COVID-19; (2) sources of information about COVID-19; (3) cultural self-identity and US healthcare system: and (4) spirituality, healing and COVID-19. Participants had adequate knowledge, and preventive measures about COVID-19, though earlier interviews among them during the early stage of the pandemic showed confusion about the nature of the virus. The value of family networks as sources of information and misinformation, especially through social media was salient in participants’ discussion, while the overload of news media was a source of concern leading to disengagement. Participants’ cultural self-identity served as lens in interpreting their interactions with the US healthcare system, while the value of spirituality and traditional remedies to healing were discussed as tools for coping with the pandemic. Efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccine should consider the multicultural values of this population.
{"title":"The perceptions and reactions to COVID-19 among offspring of African immigrants and young adults who migrated to the U.S․","authors":"Titilayo A. Okoror , Abi Fapohunda , Kelechi Ibe-Lamberts , Daudet Ilunga Tshiswaka , Jade Oghoanina , Deanna Keenan , Mmekom Udosen , Yayra Akolly , Danita Hingston","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100360","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100360","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The influx of African immigrants and their offspring to United States has increased the heterogeneity of the Black communities. While COVID-19 has lay bare the disproportionate impact of the virus on Black communities, the perceptions and reactions of African immigrants’ offspring to the pandemic is yet to be explored. As part of an ongoing project on COVID-19 and African Immigrants and Refugees (AIR), interviews were conducted with participants that identified as African immigrant offspring and young adults who migrated to the US. Interview questions were guided by the Social Ecological Model, and data was analyzed using thematic analysis approach. Key findings highlight the prevalence of misinformation and key information sources, crystallized into four themes: (1) knowledge of COVID-19; (2) sources of information about COVID-19; (3) cultural self-identity and US healthcare system: and (4) spirituality, healing and COVID-19. Participants had adequate knowledge, and preventive measures about COVID-19, though earlier interviews among them during the early stage of the pandemic showed confusion about the nature of the virus. The value of family networks as sources of information and misinformation, especially through social media was salient in participants’ discussion, while the overload of news media was a source of concern leading to disengagement. Participants’ cultural self-identity served as lens in interpreting their interactions with the US healthcare system, while the value of spirituality and traditional remedies to healing were discussed as tools for coping with the pandemic. Efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccine should consider the multicultural values of this population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100360"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145157592","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2024.100296
Ishika Obeegadoo , Mila Kingsbury , Kelly K. Anderson , Ian Colman
Background
The number of people migrating globally has drastically increased in the last two decades and continues to rise. Although adult migrants are typically in better health than the population they migrate to, the evidence regarding migrant children's health, and especially their mental health, is mixed.
Objectives
To assess whether the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt differs between first- and second-generation immigrant youth, compared to non-immigrants, and whether other sociodemographic factors moderate any associations.
Methods
We analyzed a subsample of youth aged 15–17 years from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth – a national, representative, cross-sectional survey. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis, with past-year suicidal ideation and suicide attempt as outcomes and migrant status as exposure. We also investigated whether sociodemographic factors (including sex, family income, parental divorce) moderated these associations using interaction terms.
Results
Second-generation immigrants had almost twice the risk of first-generation immigrants and non-immigrants of having attempted suicide (OR 1.68, 95%CI: 1.07, 2.63). The association between second-generation immigrant status and suicide attempt was stronger among those not from low-income households (OR 2.04, 95%CI: 1.30, 3.21) and those with divorced parents (OR 5.19, 95%CI: 1.41, 19.12). The association between second-generation immigrant status and suicidal ideation was stronger among males (OR 1.78, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.07) and those with divorced parents (OR 4.13, 95%CI 1.40, 12.14). Additionally, some effects among first-generation immigrants varied by time since arrival.
Relevance
The healthy immigrant effect with respect to suicidality does not appear to pass from the first-generation to the second-generation. The magnitude of effect among second generation immigrant youth varies according to other sociodemographic factors.
{"title":"Suicidality in first-generation, second-generation and non-immigrant youth in Canada","authors":"Ishika Obeegadoo , Mila Kingsbury , Kelly K. Anderson , Ian Colman","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2024.100296","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2024.100296","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The number of people migrating globally has drastically increased in the last two decades and continues to rise. Although adult migrants are typically in better health than the population they migrate to, the evidence regarding migrant children's health, and especially their mental health, is mixed.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To assess whether the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt differs between first- and second-generation immigrant youth, compared to non-immigrants, and whether other sociodemographic factors moderate any associations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analyzed a subsample of youth aged 15–17 years from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth – a national, representative, cross-sectional survey. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis, with past-year suicidal ideation and suicide attempt as outcomes and migrant status as exposure. We also investigated whether sociodemographic factors (including sex, family income, parental divorce) moderated these associations using interaction terms.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Second-generation immigrants had almost twice the risk of first-generation immigrants and non-immigrants of having attempted suicide (OR 1.68, 95%CI: 1.07, 2.63). The association between second-generation immigrant status and suicide attempt was stronger among those not from low-income households (OR 2.04, 95%CI: 1.30, 3.21) and those with divorced parents (OR 5.19, 95%CI: 1.41, 19.12). The association between second-generation immigrant status and suicidal ideation was stronger among males (OR 1.78, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.07) and those with divorced parents (OR 4.13, 95%CI 1.40, 12.14). Additionally, some effects among first-generation immigrants varied by time since arrival.</div></div><div><h3>Relevance</h3><div>The healthy immigrant effect with respect to suicidality does not appear to pass from the first-generation to the second-generation. The magnitude of effect among second generation immigrant youth varies according to other sociodemographic factors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100296"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11750514/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143025076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Poor tribal communities migrate from rural to urban areas to tackle their financial hardships. However, limited empirical literature collectively delves into the implications of health and educational attainments of household members of migrant households, while examining the intricate dynamics of labour migration among tribal Indian communities in India.
Objective
This study aims to examine the effects of labour migration on household health and education for accompanied and left-behind children.
Methods
Twenty-two semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions (6–8 participants) were conducted in four tribal communities in India from August to November 2022 comprising 14 migrant households that recently returned from migration, three left behind adolescents of school age, three primary school head teachers and two Panchayat heads (community head). Data were analysed through an inductive thematic approach.
Results
Participants identified a lack of adequate housing and sanitation conditions, with intense and long labour hours as conditions at migration destinations that affect their health. Lack of maternal and child healthcare is staggering at the place of work. In particular, our findings revealed that temporary labour migrants do not enrol their children in schools; however, the case was different from permanent and long-term migrants who enrol their children in private schools. At their place of origin, school teachers reported frequent school dropouts, low enrolment, attendance and poor academic achievements among children of migrating households. There is prominent gender dynamics in academic performances, and its determinants. Early age marriage and joining labour force dropping-out of school is common.
Conclusion
The results highlight the negative effects of migration as a livelihood strategy on rural communities, particularly in the health and education of household members, asking for immediate government interventions.
{"title":"Implications of migration on health and education: returned migrants and school teachers perspective in India: A qualitative study","authors":"Bernard Attah-Otu , Nikita Jaiswal , Priya Gupta , Angan Sengupta","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2024.100289","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2024.100289","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Poor tribal communities migrate from rural to urban areas to tackle their financial hardships. However, limited empirical literature collectively delves into the implications of health and educational attainments of household members of migrant households, while examining the intricate dynamics of labour migration among tribal Indian communities in India.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to examine the effects of labour migration on household health and education for accompanied and left-behind children.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Twenty-two semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions (6–8 participants) were conducted in four tribal communities in India from August to November 2022 comprising 14 migrant households that recently returned from migration, three left behind adolescents of school age, three primary school head teachers and two Panchayat heads (community head). Data were analysed through an inductive thematic approach.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants identified a lack of adequate housing and sanitation conditions, with intense and long labour hours as conditions at migration destinations that affect their health. Lack of maternal and child healthcare is staggering at the place of work. In particular, our findings revealed that temporary labour migrants do not enrol their children in schools; however, the case was different from permanent and long-term migrants who enrol their children in private schools. At their place of origin, school teachers reported frequent school dropouts, low enrolment, attendance and poor academic achievements among children of migrating households. There is prominent gender dynamics in academic performances, and its determinants. Early age marriage and joining labour force dropping-out of school is common.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The results highlight the negative effects of migration as a livelihood strategy on rural communities, particularly in the health and education of household members, asking for immediate government interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100289"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100317
Bridget Kiely , James Larkin , Kathryn Mullan , Maitiú ó Tuathail , Emma Coughlan , Debbie Marshall , Margaret Fitzgerald , Fiona O'Reilly
Background
The mental health needs of refugees and asylum seekers are often unmet. Many screening methods for mental health problems in refugees and asylum seekers have been suggested, but the optimal method for identifying those at risk has not been determined. The PROTECT questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ4) are two tools currently being used to identify refugees and asylum seekers at risk of mental health problems in Ireland, but there is limited data on the prevalence of positive scores or risk factors for these to inform health service planning.
Methods
Cross sectional analysis was conducted of anonymous data of all adult asylum seekers or refugees who completed a PHQ4 and PROTECT questionnaire during their nurse conducted arrival health assessment within a one-year period. Data collected include: gender, age category, marital status, family unit, country of origin, refugee/asylum status, medical conditions, mental health conditions, exposure to violence, PROTECT score, PHQ4 score and outcome of GP mental health review. Statistical analysis was completed using R.
Results
440 people completed a PROTECT and PHQ4 questionnaire. 198 people had a GP review based on either a positive PROTECT or PHQ4 score. Among all participants, 9.1 % (n = 40) were diagnosed with depression, 15.0 % (n = 66) were diagnosed with PTSD, 3.8 % (n = 17) had an adjustment disorder and 3.7 % had anxiety.. There was a positive correlation between PHQ-4 score and PROTECT score, (rs = 0.738, p < .001) although the PROTECT score identified more cases of PTSD and depression. Being female (aOR: 2.47 95 % CI: 1.59–3.86) and country of origin Zimbabwe (aOR: 3.19 95 % CI: 1.56–6.53) was associated with a positive PROTECT score. Country of origin was negatively associated with PROTECT score for Syria (aOR: 0.32 95 % CI: 0.15–0.65). There were similar findings for PHQ4.
Conclusions
Rates of depression, anxiety and PTSD were similar to other studies. There was a strong correlation between PHQ4 scores and PROTECT but with PROTECT ultimately identifying more cases of depression and PTSD, suggesting it may be reasonable to use it alone. Whichever screening tool is used, adequate healthcare resources need to be available for further assessment and treatment. Participants from Syria were less likely to have a positive score compared to others and further research is required to understand the reasons for this.
{"title":"Prevalence of psychological distress detected by the PROTECT and PHQ4 questionnaires and subsequent mental health diagnosis. A cross sectional analysis of the outcomes of new arrival health assessments for refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland","authors":"Bridget Kiely , James Larkin , Kathryn Mullan , Maitiú ó Tuathail , Emma Coughlan , Debbie Marshall , Margaret Fitzgerald , Fiona O'Reilly","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100317","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100317","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The mental health needs of refugees and asylum seekers are often unmet. Many screening methods for mental health problems in refugees and asylum seekers have been suggested, but the optimal method for identifying those at risk has not been determined. The PROTECT questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ4) are two tools currently being used to identify refugees and asylum seekers at risk of mental health problems in Ireland, but there is limited data on the prevalence of positive scores or risk factors for these to inform health service planning.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Cross sectional analysis was conducted of anonymous data of all adult asylum seekers or refugees who completed a PHQ4 and PROTECT questionnaire during their nurse conducted arrival health assessment within a one-year period. Data collected include: gender, age category, marital status, family unit, country of origin, refugee/asylum status, medical conditions, mental health conditions, exposure to violence, PROTECT score, PHQ4 score and outcome of GP mental health review. Statistical analysis was completed using R.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>440 people completed a PROTECT and PHQ4 questionnaire. 198 people had a GP review based on either a positive PROTECT or PHQ4 score. Among all participants, 9.1 % (<em>n</em> = 40) were diagnosed with depression, 15.0 % (<em>n</em> = 66) were diagnosed with PTSD, 3.8 % (<em>n</em> = 17) had an adjustment disorder and 3.7 % had anxiety.. There was a positive correlation between PHQ-4 score and PROTECT score, (rs = 0.738, <em>p</em> < .001) although the PROTECT score identified more cases of PTSD and depression. Being female (aOR: 2.47 95 % CI: 1.59–3.86) and country of origin Zimbabwe (aOR: 3.19 95 % CI: 1.56–6.53) was associated with a positive PROTECT score. Country of origin was negatively associated with PROTECT score for Syria (aOR: 0.32 95 % CI: 0.15–0.65). There were similar findings for PHQ4.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Rates of depression, anxiety and PTSD were similar to other studies. There was a strong correlation between PHQ4 scores and PROTECT but with PROTECT ultimately identifying more cases of depression and PTSD, suggesting it may be reasonable to use it alone. Whichever screening tool is used, adequate healthcare resources need to be available for further assessment and treatment. Participants from Syria were less likely to have a positive score compared to others and further research is required to understand the reasons for this.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100317"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143609291","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100336
Haley A Carroll , Talia Guevara , Valeria Aron , Luisa Feline Freier , Matthew D. Bird
Background
Following Venezuela's economic collapse in 2015, over 1.5 million Venezuelans have sought refuge in Peru. Research indicates that migrants face stressors at various stages of migration (pre-, journey, and post-migration), with symptoms ranging from mild stress to severe depression and anxiety. This highlights the need for culturally relevant mental health interventions. Thus, the present study aimed to develop culturally sensitive adaptation hypotheses that resonate with the migrants' unique experiences and cultural values.
Methods and findings
Qualitative interviews were conducted with Venezuelan migrants residing in Lima (n = 25) and stakeholders in the Peruvian mental health system (n = 10). Thematic analysis, interpreted through the Ecological Validity Model, revealed significant themes relevant to cultural adaptation, including the metaphor and phrase “pa’lante,” religious coping, emotional expression, familiarity, and integration into Peru. These themes informed potential therapeutic adaptations in line with existing evidence-based therapeutic practices.
Conclusions
The study observed that Venezuelan migrants face unique mental health challenges due to the stressors encountered during migration. The findings suggest that integrating culturally sensitive elements such as “pa’lante,” religious coping, emotional expression, familiarity, and integration into Peru into mental health interventions could enhance their effectiveness. We propose therapeutic adaptations that leverage the resilience embodied in "pa'lante," incorporate religious coping mechanisms, facilitate balanced emotional expression, and foster cultural familiarity and integration, ensuring a holistic and impactful approach to mental health care for Venezuelan migrants.
{"title":"“Pa'lante!” Perseverance, progress and mental health among venezuelan migrants in Peru: A qualitative study","authors":"Haley A Carroll , Talia Guevara , Valeria Aron , Luisa Feline Freier , Matthew D. Bird","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100336","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100336","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Following Venezuela's economic collapse in 2015, over 1.5 million Venezuelans have sought refuge in Peru. Research indicates that migrants face stressors at various stages of migration (pre-, journey, and post-migration), with symptoms ranging from mild stress to severe depression and anxiety. This highlights the need for culturally relevant mental health interventions. Thus, the present study aimed to develop culturally sensitive adaptation hypotheses that resonate with the migrants' unique experiences and cultural values.</div></div><div><h3>Methods and findings</h3><div>Qualitative interviews were conducted with Venezuelan migrants residing in Lima (<em>n</em> = 25) and stakeholders in the Peruvian mental health system (<em>n</em> = 10). Thematic analysis, interpreted through the Ecological Validity Model, revealed significant themes relevant to cultural adaptation, including the metaphor and phrase “pa’lante,” religious coping, emotional expression, familiarity, and integration into Peru. These themes informed potential therapeutic adaptations in line with existing evidence-based therapeutic practices.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The study observed that Venezuelan migrants face unique mental health challenges due to the stressors encountered during migration. The findings suggest that integrating culturally sensitive elements such as “pa’lante,” religious coping, emotional expression, familiarity, and integration into Peru into mental health interventions could enhance their effectiveness. We propose therapeutic adaptations that leverage the resilience embodied in \"pa'lante,\" incorporate religious coping mechanisms, facilitate balanced emotional expression, and foster cultural familiarity and integration, ensuring a holistic and impactful approach to mental health care for Venezuelan migrants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100336"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144105033","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100379
Rilana T Stoeckli , Viktoria Zoellner , Farhad Haji , Monia Aebersold , Sebastian Burchert , Jessica Wabiszczewicz , Christine Knaevelsrud , Eva Heim , Thomas Berger
Introduction
Refugees’ quality of life (QOL) is significantly impacted by the challenging post-migration context. Digital mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services offer scalable, culturally adaptable solutions. This study evaluates the Sui app, co-developed with Arabic-speaking refugees in Switzerland to address barriers to mental healthcare and promote psychosocial well-being.
Methods
A mixed-methods randomised controlled trial assessed the app’s impact on QOL and mental health outcomes among Arabic-speaking refugees. Participants were randomised (2:2:1) into app-only (Sui, n = 68), app with peer support (Sui+, n = 68), or waitlist (WL, n = 34). The primary outcome was QOL (WHOQOL-BREF), secondary outcomes included mental health indicators (e.g., depressive, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and somatic symptoms). Quantitative data were collected at baseline, post (8 weeks), and follow-up (16 weeks). Semi-structured interviews explored user experiences. Ethical approval was obtained, and all participants gave informed consent.
Results
Intention-to-treat analyses (N = 170) using linear mixed-effects models revealed no significant group-by-time interaction effects, indicating that changes over time did not differ significantly between the three groups for QOL (e.g., psychological domain: F(2134.67) = 1.85, p = .16) and for any of the secondary outcomes at post-assessment. Small but significant effects emerged at follow-up between active groups. Median app usage for was 13.1 min, with 95 participants successfully logging in. Qualitative findings identified barriers such as unclear onboarding, technical issues, and limited applicability. Nonetheless, participants expressed general satisfaction with the app’s content and peer support.
Conclusions
The Sui app was well-accepted and its context-sensitive design offers promise for digital MHPSS services for refugees. However, lack of significant outcome improvements and limited engagement underscore the need for technical refinements, stronger onboarding, and more visible peer support.
难民的生活质量(QOL)受到具有挑战性的移民后环境的显著影响。数字精神卫生和社会心理支持(MHPSS)服务提供可扩展的、适应文化的解决方案。这项研究评估了Sui应用程序,该应用程序与瑞士讲阿拉伯语的难民共同开发,旨在解决心理保健障碍,促进社会心理健康。方法一项混合方法随机对照试验评估了该应用程序对阿拉伯语难民生活质量和心理健康结果的影响。参与者被随机(2:2:1)分为仅应用程序(Sui, n = 68),同伴支持应用程序(Sui+, n = 68)或等待列表(WL, n = 34)。主要结局是生活质量(WHOQOL-BREF),次要结局包括心理健康指标(如抑郁、焦虑、创伤后应激和躯体症状)。在基线、术后(8周)和随访(16周)收集定量数据。半结构化访谈探讨了用户体验。获得伦理批准,所有参与者均给予知情同意。结果使用线性混合效应模型的意向治疗分析(N = 170)显示,各组间无显著的时间相互作用效应,表明三组间生活质量(例如,心理领域:F(2134.67) = 1.85, p = 0.16)和评估后的任何次要结局随时间的变化无显著差异。在运动组之间的随访中出现了小而显著的影响。平均应用使用时间为13.1分钟,有95名参与者成功登录。定性的发现确定了障碍,如不清楚的入职、技术问题和有限的适用性。尽管如此,参与者对应用程序的内容和同伴支持表示普遍满意。Sui应用程序被广泛接受,其上下文敏感的设计为难民的数字MHPSS服务提供了希望。然而,由于缺乏显著的成果改进和有限的参与,强调了对技术改进、更强有力的培训和更明显的同行支持的需求。
{"title":"Psychosocial support for Arabic-speaking refugees residing in Switzerland (Sui app): A mixed-methods randomised controlled trial","authors":"Rilana T Stoeckli , Viktoria Zoellner , Farhad Haji , Monia Aebersold , Sebastian Burchert , Jessica Wabiszczewicz , Christine Knaevelsrud , Eva Heim , Thomas Berger","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100379","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100379","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Refugees’ quality of life (QOL) is significantly impacted by the challenging post-migration context. Digital mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services offer scalable, culturally adaptable solutions. This study evaluates the Sui app, co-developed with Arabic-speaking refugees in Switzerland to address barriers to mental healthcare and promote psychosocial well-being.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A mixed-methods randomised controlled trial assessed the app’s impact on QOL and mental health outcomes among Arabic-speaking refugees. Participants were randomised (2:2:1) into app-only (Sui, <em>n</em> = 68), app with peer support (Sui+, <em>n</em> = 68), or waitlist (WL, <em>n</em> = 34). The primary outcome was QOL (WHOQOL-BREF), secondary outcomes included mental health indicators (e.g., depressive, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and somatic symptoms). Quantitative data were collected at baseline, post (8 weeks), and follow-up (16 weeks). Semi-structured interviews explored user experiences. Ethical approval was obtained, and all participants gave informed consent.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Intention-to-treat analyses (<em>N</em> = 170) using linear mixed-effects models revealed no significant group-by-time interaction effects, indicating that changes over time did not differ significantly between the three groups for QOL (e.g., psychological domain: <em>F</em>(2134.67) = 1.85, <em>p</em> = .16) and for any of the secondary outcomes at post-assessment. Small but significant effects emerged at follow-up between active groups. Median app usage for was 13.1 min, with 95 participants successfully logging in. Qualitative findings identified barriers such as unclear onboarding, technical issues, and limited applicability. Nonetheless, participants expressed general satisfaction with the app’s content and peer support.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The Sui app was well-accepted and its context-sensitive design offers promise for digital MHPSS services for refugees. However, lack of significant outcome improvements and limited engagement underscore the need for technical refinements, stronger onboarding, and more visible peer support.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100379"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145690387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2024.100294
Elena Rousou , Paraskevi Apostolara , Venetia Sofia Velonaki , Irena Papadopoulos , Athena Kalokairinou , Ourania Sakellaraki , Victor Dudau , Andrea Kuckert , Runa Lazzarino , Manuela Mauceri , Alfonso Pezzella , Christiana Kouta , Theologia Tsitsi
Parenting in the context of migration presents a unique set of challenges for refugee parents, who must navigate the cultural norms and expectations of both their home and resettlement countries while balancing their daily parenting responsibilities and practices. This study aims to provide a critical analysis of the experiences, needs, and challenges faced by migrant and refugee parents during their journey and settlement in Europe, as recounted through their personal narratives. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the researchers collected twenty-seven life narratives of migrant and/or refugee parents through purposive sampling. An analysis of the narratives identified four overarching themes that represent the primary challenges faced by refugee families and the need for support. These macro-themes include up rootedness, spatio-temporal uncertainty, trauma and abuses, and parental powerlessness. Parental powerlessness emerged as a synthesis of the causes of trauma from the previous three challenges and highlights the increased loss of parental identity and self-conflict that refugee parents experience. The study reveals that refugee parents face various challenges and barriers, such as language barriers, lack of information and awareness, and cultural differences. It is crucial for healthcare providers and policymakers to consider these findings and develop targeted interventions, such as utilizing interpreters, cultural mediators, and providing culturally sensitive and appropriate healthcare and educational services, as well as implementing specific policies to enhance the health and well-being of refugee parents and their children.
{"title":"Lived experiences of migrant and refugee parents: Challenges encountered during their journey and settlement in Europe","authors":"Elena Rousou , Paraskevi Apostolara , Venetia Sofia Velonaki , Irena Papadopoulos , Athena Kalokairinou , Ourania Sakellaraki , Victor Dudau , Andrea Kuckert , Runa Lazzarino , Manuela Mauceri , Alfonso Pezzella , Christiana Kouta , Theologia Tsitsi","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2024.100294","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2024.100294","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Parenting in the context of migration presents a unique set of challenges for refugee parents, who must navigate the cultural norms and expectations of both their home and resettlement countries while balancing their daily parenting responsibilities and practices. This study aims to provide a critical analysis of the experiences, needs, and challenges faced by migrant and refugee parents during their journey and settlement in Europe, as recounted through their personal narratives. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the researchers collected twenty-seven life narratives of migrant and/or refugee parents through purposive sampling. An analysis of the narratives identified four overarching themes that represent the primary challenges faced by refugee families and the need for support. These macro-themes include up rootedness, spatio-temporal uncertainty, trauma and abuses, and parental powerlessness. Parental powerlessness emerged as a synthesis of the causes of trauma from the previous three challenges and highlights the increased loss of parental identity and self-conflict that refugee parents experience. The study reveals that refugee parents face various challenges and barriers, such as language barriers, lack of information and awareness, and cultural differences. It is crucial for healthcare providers and policymakers to consider these findings and develop targeted interventions, such as utilizing interpreters, cultural mediators, and providing culturally sensitive and appropriate healthcare and educational services, as well as implementing specific policies to enhance the health and well-being of refugee parents and their children.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100294"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11743891/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143012639","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100310
Hailati Akezhuoli , Minghui Tan , Yuyin Ma , Xintian Liu , Jiayao Xu , Jingjing Lu , Xudong Zhou
Background
Parent-child separation is one of the adverse childhood experiences, becoming more common due to economic migration worldwide today. However, there is a lack of understanding of the association between this separation during the critical first three years of life and the development of mental health issues in early childhood. This study aimed to determine the association of parent-child separation in the first three years and its specific patterns with mental health problems that emerged at preschool age.
Methods
We conducted a kindergarten-based parent-reported questionnaire survey in Nanling, Anhui Province, from October 30 to November 3, 2023. Data on parent-child separation in the first three years and its specific patterns concerning parental number, gender, accumulated separation period, and present separation status at preschool age were collected. The parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was adopted to assess outcomes of interest, including children's total difficulties, internalizing problems, externalizing problems, and pro-social behaviors.
Results
A total of 7487 children from eighty-one kindergartens were included, with a mean (SD) age of 4.2 (0.92) years, and 52.3 % were male. After adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, compared to non-separation, parent-child separation within the first three years was significantly and positively associated with preschool-aged children's internalizing problems (β = 0.19, [95 % CI, 0.10-0.28]), externalizing problems (β = 0.24, [95 % CI, 0.12- 0.35]), and total difficulties (β = 0.42, [95 % CI, 0.25-0.59]), but not with pro-social behavior. The associations were significant when separated from either one parent or both parents, whether the separation lasted for less than or more than three years in total, and whether the separation occurred previously or persisted into preschool age.
Conclusions
Our findings illustrated the association between early parent-child separation and developing mental health in early childhood, indicating potential opportunities for cost-efficient prevention and intervention for the health and development of vulnerable children separated in the highly mobile society to achieve sustainable development.
{"title":"Migrant parent-child separation in the first three years of life and mental health problems at preschool age: A cross-sectional study","authors":"Hailati Akezhuoli , Minghui Tan , Yuyin Ma , Xintian Liu , Jiayao Xu , Jingjing Lu , Xudong Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100310","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100310","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Parent-child separation is one of the adverse childhood experiences, becoming more common due to economic migration worldwide today. However, there is a lack of understanding of the association between this separation during the critical first three years of life and the development of mental health issues in early childhood. This study aimed to determine the association of parent-child separation in the first three years and its specific patterns with mental health problems that emerged at preschool age.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a kindergarten-based parent-reported questionnaire survey in Nanling, Anhui Province, from October 30 to November 3, 2023. Data on parent-child separation in the first three years and its specific patterns concerning parental number, gender, accumulated separation period, and present separation status at preschool age were collected. The parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was adopted to assess outcomes of interest, including children's total difficulties, internalizing problems, externalizing problems, and pro-social behaviors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 7487 children from eighty-one kindergartens were included, with a mean (SD) age of 4.2 (0.92) years, and 52.3 % were male. After adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, compared to non-separation, parent-child separation within the first three years was significantly and positively associated with preschool-aged children's internalizing problems (β = 0.19, [95 % CI, 0.10-0.28]), externalizing problems (β = 0.24, [95 % CI, 0.12- 0.35]), and total difficulties (β = 0.42, [95 % CI, 0.25-0.59]), but not with pro-social behavior. The associations were significant when separated from either one parent or both parents, whether the separation lasted for less than or more than three years in total, and whether the separation occurred previously or persisted into preschool age.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our findings illustrated the association between early parent-child separation and developing mental health in early childhood, indicating potential opportunities for cost-efficient prevention and intervention for the health and development of vulnerable children separated in the highly mobile society to achieve sustainable development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34448,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Migration and Health","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100310"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143395060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}