The prevalence and correlates of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among resettled Afghan refugees in a regional area of Australia

作者：Mohammad Shoaib Hamrah, Ha Hoang, Jonathan Mond, Bagher Pahlavanzadeh, Abdurrahman Charkazi, Srj Auckland · 发表于：Journal of Mental Health · 年份：2020 · DOI：10.1080/09638237.2020.1739247 · 被引用次数：39 · 研究领域：Migration, Health and Trauma、Education and experiences of immigrants and refugees、Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among resettled refugee populations and may be particularly problematic for refugees who have resettled in rural and regional areas. AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine the occurrence and correlates of PTSD among Afghan refugees resettled in a regional area of Australia, namely, Launceston, Tasmania. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 66 resettled Afghan refugees living in Launceston using the Post Migration Living Difficulties Scale (PMLD) and Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Descriptive statistics and multivariable analysis of variables associated with a probable diagnosis of PTSD were conducted. RESULTS: Approximately half of participants 48.8% (95% CI: 36.0-61.1%) met an operational definition of probable PTSD diagnosis according to the IES-R. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, communication difficulties (OR = 14.6, 95% CI: 1.7-124.7), separation from family (OR = 9.9, 95% CI: 1.8-55.5), and self-recognition of a mental health problem (OR = 13.8, 95% CI: 2.4-80.0) were strongly and independently associated with probable PTSD diagnosis. While most participants (81.2%) with a probable PTSD diagnosis recognised that they had a mental health problem, less than half (46.9%) had sought professional help for such a problem. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that there are high rates of PTSD, and relatively low uptake of mental health care by sufferers, among resettled Afghan re...