Experiences, Perceptions and the Roles of Trauma, Migration Stress and Services Amoung Syrians Refugees Who Resettled in Southeast Michigan
[Thesis]
Alkhayat-Hatahet, Loubna
Pietrofesa, John
Wayne State University
2020
122
Ph.D.
Wayne State University
2020
There is limited research on the mental health status of Syrian refugee resettled in the U.S. The following study is focused on providing an estimate of the prevalence of mental health disorders among Syrian refugees who resettled in southeast Michigan since 2015, to determine the resettlement stressors and the need for mental health services based on the prevalence of psychological disorders, self-reported ser-vices received, interest in these services, and challenges to receiving or seeking these services. Sixty-three Syrian refugee participants completed a survey and two assessments; part 4 of the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) and the Hopkins Symptoms Check-list-25 (HSCL-25). A descriptive statistical analysis, independent sample t-test and Fisher's exact test were employed in the analysis. Results show 65 % of the study sample screened positive for at least one diagnosis (depression, anxiety, or depression). About 59% screened positive for depression and 57% for anxiety. PTSD was lower, with 24% of the sample participants screened positive, 22% of participants screened positive across all disorders. There was a statistically significant correlation between the perceived need for mental health care and the use of services. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between diagnosis with mental disorder and perceived need for mental health care among the sample. Resettlement stressors and barriers to receiving mental health services were measured and listed in the results.