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High Manifestations of Mental Distress in Arabic Asylum Seekers Accommodated in Collective Centers for Refugees in Germany

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  • Ekaterini Georgiadou

    (Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany)

  • Eva Morawa

    (Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany)

  • Yesim Erim

    (Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany)

Abstract

The number of asylum seekers in Germany has significantly increased in the last two years. Coming from regions of political conflict and war, the refugees have often experienced traumatic events which designate them as a high risk group for mental disorders. In a sample of Arabic speaking asylum seekers in collective accommodation centers in Erlangen, Germany, we estimated the extent of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety. A further objective of the study was to test the comprehensibility and cultural appropriateness of the Arabic translations of the questionnaires in this sample. Between August and September 2016, 56 Arabic speaking asylum seekers placed among three collective accommodation centers in Erlangen completed self-report questionnaires assessing posttraumatic stress disorder (Essen Trauma-Inventory, ETI), and symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire—depression module, PHQ-9) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD-7). The prevalence of participants with personally and/or witnessed traumatic events was 80.4% ( n = 45). About one-third of the examinees (35.7%, n = 20) endorsed symptoms of PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder). The total score for depression in this sample was M = 11.9 (SD = 7.9, range: 0–27). Moderate to severe depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 15) was found in 35.7% ( n = 20) of our sample and severe depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 20) was found in 23.2% ( n = 13). The total score for anxiety was M = 8.8 (SD = 6.9, range: 0–21), with 26.8% ( n = 15) of the sample showing symptoms of severe anxiety (GAD-7 score ≥ 15). No significant difference between women and men with respect to frequency and symptom scores of PTSD, depression, and anxiety was found. Amongst asylum seekers of the presented sample, the rates of traumatic events as well as the prevalence of possible PTSD, depression, and anxiety were significantly higher than in the German population. This indicates that the refugee population is in need of culturally sensitive psychological interventions. However, more studies are required to improve the understanding of mental health among this particularly vulnerable population.

Suggested Citation

  • Ekaterini Georgiadou & Eva Morawa & Yesim Erim, 2017. "High Manifestations of Mental Distress in Arabic Asylum Seekers Accommodated in Collective Centers for Refugees in Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:6:p:612-:d:100778
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eric Lente & Margaret Barry & Michal Molcho & Karen Morgan & Dorothy Watson & Janas Harrington & Hannah McGee, 2012. "Measuring population mental health and social well-being," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 57(2), pages 421-430, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ali Zbidat & Ekaterini Georgiadou & Andrea Borho & Yesim Erim & Eva Morawa, 2020. "The Perceptions of Trauma, Complaints, Somatization, and Coping Strategies among Syrian Refugees in Germany—A Qualitative Study of an At-Risk Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-15, January.
    2. Harem Nareeman Mahmood & Hawkar Ibrahim & Azad Ali Ismail & Frank Neuner, 2022. "Does Time Heal Trauma? 18 Month Follow-Up Study of Syrian Refugees’ Mental Health in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-11, November.
    3. Anna Leiler & Elisabet Wasteson & Joanna Holmberg & Anna Bjärtå, 2020. "A Pilot Study of a Psychoeducational Group Intervention Delivered at Asylum Accommodation Centers—A Mixed Methods Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-20, December.
    4. Jimmy T. Efird & Pollie Bith-Melander, 2018. "Refugee Health: An Ongoing Commitment and Challenge," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-3, January.
    5. Perjan Hashim Taha & Marit Sijbrandij, 2021. "Gender Differences in Traumatic Experiences, PTSD, and Relevant Symptoms among the Iraqi Internally Displaced Persons," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-11, September.

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