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A Pilot Study of a Psychoeducational Group Intervention Delivered at Asylum Accommodation Centers—A Mixed Methods Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Leiler

    (Institution of Psychology and Social Work, Mid Sweden University, 831 25 Östersund, Sweden)

  • Elisabet Wasteson

    (Institution of Psychology and Social Work, Mid Sweden University, 831 25 Östersund, Sweden)

  • Joanna Holmberg

    (Institution of Psychology and Social Work, Mid Sweden University, 831 25 Östersund, Sweden
    Region Örebro County, 703 54 Örebro, Sweden)

  • Anna Bjärtå

    (Institution of Psychology and Social Work, Mid Sweden University, 831 25 Östersund, Sweden)

Abstract

Asylum seekers suffer high levels of distress but have restricted access to mental health care. This paper constitutes an evaluation of a psycho-educational group intervention, called AMIN, which was provided at two asylum accommodation centers in Sweden. A mixed-methods approach was used. To assess potential effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility, quantitative outcome measures were combined with qualitative information from interviews with both intervention participants and staff providing the intervention. Potential effectiveness in reducing symptoms of distress and insomnia and in increasing physical quality of life was found, even though the intervention participants suffered from more severe distress than expected. In general, the intervention seemed to be acceptable to both participants and staff, with concrete strategies seeming more meaningful than abstract psychological techniques. Finally, regardless of the asylum process itself being a complicating factor, the intervention seemed feasible to deliver to individuals with different backgrounds and conditions. Taken together, these results indicate that some sessions may need further elaboration, but also that the transition to a randomized control trial is reasonable.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:23:p:8953-:d:454693
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Satinsky, Emily & Fuhr, Daniela C. & Woodward, Aniek & Sondorp, Egbert & Roberts, Bayard, 2019. "Mental health care utilisation and access among refugees and asylum seekers in Europe: A systematic review," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 123(9), pages 851-863.
    2. 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.
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