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Addressing health disparities in the mental health of refugee children and adolescents through community-based participatory research: A study in 2 communities

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  • Betancourt, T.S.
  • Frounfelker, R.
  • Mishra, T.
  • Hussein, A.
  • Falzarano, R.

Abstract

Objectives. We sought to understand the problems, strengths, and helpseeking behaviors of Somali Bantu and Bhutanese refugees and determine local expressions of mental health problems among youths in both communities. Methods. We used qualitative research methods to develop community needs assessments and identify local terms for child mental health problems among Somali Bantu and Bhutanese refugees in Greater Boston and Springfield, Massachusetts, between 2011 and 2014. A total of 56 Somali Bantu and 93 Bhutanese refugees participated in free list and key informant interviews. Results. Financial and language barriers impeded the abilities of families to assist youths who were struggling academically and socially. Participants identified resources both within and outside the refugee community to help with these problems. Both communities identified areas of distress corresponding to Western concepts of conduct disorders, depression, and anxiety. Conclusions. There are numerous challenges faced by Somali Bantu and Bhutanese youths, as well as strengths and resources that promote resilience. Future steps include using culturally informed methods for identifying those in need of services and developing community-based prevention programs.

Suggested Citation

  • Betancourt, T.S. & Frounfelker, R. & Mishra, T. & Hussein, A. & Falzarano, R., 2015. "Addressing health disparities in the mental health of refugee children and adolescents through community-based participatory research: A study in 2 communities," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105, pages 475-482.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2014.302504_5
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302504
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    Cited by:

    1. Sarah Elizabeth Neville & Kira DiClemente-Bosco & Lila K. Chamlagai & Mary Bunn & Jordan Freeman & Jenna M. Berent & Bhuwan Gautam & Abdirahman Abdi & Theresa S. Betancourt, 2022. "Investigating Outcomes of a Family Strengthening Intervention for Resettled Somali Bantu and Bhutanese Refugees: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-20, September.
    2. Michlig, Georgia J. & Johnson-Agbakwu, Crista & Surkan, Pamela J., 2022. "“Whatever you hide, also hides you”: A discourse analysis on mental health and service use in an American community of Somalis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 292(C).
    3. Kathryn A. V. Clements & Diane Baird & Rebecca Campbell, 2020. "“It’s Hard to Explain.”: Service Providers’ Perspectives on Unaccompanied Minors’ Needs Based on Minors’ Forms of Immigration Relief," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 21(2), pages 633-648, June.
    4. Michael Hollifield & Eric C. Toolson & Sasha Verbillis-Kolp & Beth Farmer & Junko Yamazaki & Tsegaba Woldehaimanot & Annette Holland, 2021. "Distress and Resilience in Resettled Refugees of War: Implications for Screening," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-15, January.
    5. Justine L. Lewis, 2021. "Social Capital: Supportive of Bhutanese Refugees’ Integration in the United States," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 22(1), pages 333-345, March.
    6. Mervyn Ian Sim Peng Chow & Aili Hanim Hashim & Ng Chong Guan, 2021. "Resilience in adolescent refugees living in Malaysia: The association with religiosity and religious coping," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 67(4), pages 376-385, June.
    7. Kerri Evans & Thomas M. Crea & Yoosun Chu & Christopher P. Salas-Wright & David Takeuchi & Westy Egmont & Carolina Todo-Bom-Mehta, 2022. "Paths to Self-Sufficiency for Youth Served Through the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Foster Care Program in the United States," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 23(3), pages 1471-1493, September.
    8. Shamrova, Daria P. & Cummings, Cristy E., 2017. "Participatory action research (PAR) with children and youth: An integrative review of methodology and PAR outcomes for participants, organizations, and communities," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 400-412.

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