Profiles of post-migration stressors and mental health in refugees: A latent class analysis. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Byrow, Yulisha; Liddell, Belinda; O'Donnell, Meaghan; Mau, Vicki; McMahon, Tadgh; Bryant, Richard; Benson, Greg; Nickerson, Angela
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 311(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Post-migration stress -- Psychological trauma -- PTSD -- Depression -- Refugees; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114494
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: Post-migration stressors are associated with negative mental health outcomes in refugees. Distinct classes had variable levels of functional impairment and mental health. Social disconnection was associated with high levels of psychopathology and functional impairment. Fear related to visa insecurity was associated with high levels of psychopathology but low functional impairment. Abstract: Studies have documented the mental health effects of pre-migration trauma on resettled refugees and identified distinct psychological symptom profiles using person centred statistical techniques (e.g., latent class analysis; LCA). These techniques have advanced our understanding of the complex presentation of trauma and psychopathology in refugees. The current study employs LCA to examine patterns of exposure to stressors including post-migration stressors, allowing us to identify patterns of post-migration stress exposure and their association with mental health outcomes. Participants were 1085 Arabic, Farsi, Tamil, or English speaking adult refugees. Pre-migration trauma, post-migration stressors, PTSD, depression, anger, and functional impairment was measured. LCA was conducted to identify distinct classes of post-migration stressors and associations with mental health and adjustment in the resettlement environment. Latent class analysis revealed 5 classes of participants: high difficulties class (7.2%), immigration fear class (14.4%), social disconnection class (17.3%), moderate difficulties class (28.9%) and a low difficulties class (32.3%). Each of the five classes shared commonalities in addition to key differences associated with specific demographic characteristics and psychopathology. Post-migration stressors appear to map onto distinct profiles, which uniquely contribute to functional impairment and mental health outcomes in refugees. These findings have substantial implications for public health and social services working with resettled refugee communities.